ortorektifisering

Ortorektifisering is a term used primarily in Scandinavian contexts to describe an extreme preoccupation with eating foods that are perceived as healthy, pure, or natural. It is closely related to the concept of orthorexia nervosa, an eating‑related behavior that is not formally recognized as a distinct disorder in major diagnostic manuals but has been discussed in clinical literature. Individuals exhibiting ortorektifisering often spend considerable time planning, selecting, and preparing meals, and they may experience anxiety or guilt when deviating from their self‑imposed dietary rules. The focus is on the quality and perceived nutritional value of food rather than on quantity or body weight.

Typical features include rigid food hierarchies, avoidance of food groups deemed impure, and social withdrawal due to the perceived difficulty of sharing meals with others. While a concern for nutrition can be beneficial, the behavior becomes problematic when it interferes with daily functioning, leads to nutritional deficiencies, or causes significant distress. Reported prevalence varies, with some studies suggesting that a minority of health‑conscious individuals display clinically relevant levels of orthorexic tendencies.

Critics argue that the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria makes it challenging to differentiate ortorektifisering from normal health‑focused eating habits. Nonetheless, mental‑health professionals may address severe cases through cognitive‑behavioral strategies, nutritional counseling, and, when appropriate, psychotherapy aimed at reducing rigidity and anxiety around food. Ongoing research seeks to clarify its boundaries, prevalence, and optimal therapeutic approaches.