Understanding Orthorexia - When Healthy Eating Becomes Unhealthy
Presented by
Jennifer Vittitow, RD, LD, CEDS-C (she/her)
Colleen Soldano, LCPC (she/her/hers)
This presentation explores orthorexia, an emerging disordered eating pattern characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy eating to the detriment of physical, mental, and social well-being. It begins by defining orthorexia and how if differs from the official eating disorder diagnoses. This presentation will also examine how societal trends—such as diet culture, wellness movements, and social media—contribute to its rise. Key topics include the psychological and behavioral signs of orthorexia, its potential physical and emotional consequences, and the challenges in diagnosis due to the cultural normalization of restrictive eating. Ethical considerations in treatment, particularly balancing nutritional health with mental well-being, will also be discussed. The presentation will feature case studies, current research, and evidence-based approaches to prevention and treatment. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of orthorexia, its warning signs, and strategies for fostering a balanced, non-restrictive relationship with food.
If you have questions about this event, or need more information, please reach out to [email protected].
Available Continuing Education Credit
In support of improving patient care, Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
As a Jointly Accredited Organization, Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved under this program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 clinical continuing education credits.
Completion of this RD/DTR profession-specific or IPCE awards CPEUs (1.5 IPCE credit + 1.5 CPEU). If the activity is dietetics-related but not targeted to RDs or DTRs, CPEUs may be claimed which commensurate with participation in contact hours (One 60-minute hour = 1 CPEU). RDs and DTRs are to select activity type 102 in their Activity Log. Sphere and Competency selection is at the learner’s discretion.
Eating Recovery Center, LLC is approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6815 Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Eating Recovery Center is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Eating Recovery Center, LLC is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Eating Recovery Center maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Eating Recovery Center, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0232.
Eating Recovery Center, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0280.
Eating Recovery Center, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0756.
This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
All Eating Recovery Center, LLC sponsored educational activities are presented in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you are in need of accommodations, please contact Wendy Foulds Mathes at [email protected].