An increasing obsession with so-called “clean eating” may be putting mental and physical health at risk, researchers have cautioned. While healthy eating is generally encouraged, experts say an extreme fixation on consuming only pure or wholesome foods can trigger serious eating disorders and psychological distress.

A recent study conducted by Semmelweis University in Hungary examined the dietary habits of 179 fashion models and found that over one-third displayed symptoms of orthorexia—a lesser-known eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy preoccupation with eating only foods deemed clean or healthy.

Orthorexia is marked by strict food rules, anxiety around eating, and avoiding social gatherings for fear of encountering “unapproved” foods. People affected may experience emotional distress when their eating patterns are disrupted and can suffer from physical symptoms such as fatigue, brittle nails, and hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies.

Dr. Nikolett Bogar from the university’s Institute of Behavioural Sciences explained that while some restrictive eating patterns appear health-focused on the surface, they can actually lead to outcomes similar to clinical eating disorders. “Limiting oneself to only raw, green, low-carb, or specific food groups can deprive the body of essential nutrients,” she said.

The study also revealed a striking trend: 90% of participants reported a desire to eat only clean or healthy foods, mirroring the extreme body-image standards seen in previous decades where thinness was the primary goal.

Researchers warned that placing too much emphasis on food quality—at the expense of nutritional balance and mental well-being—can pave the way to conditions like anorexia or bulimia. They stressed that while making healthy choices is important, food should not be morally classified as “good” or “bad.”

Dr. Bogar highlighted the need for a sustainable and flexible approach to eating. “A balanced diet includes room for treats like chocolate or sweets—especially on special occasions—without guilt,” she said. “Healthy eating should nourish the body, not control the mind.”

The findings underscore a growing need to recognize and address orthorexia as awareness around health and fitness continues to rise globally.