Celebrities often face immense pressure to maintain a certain appearance, leading some to develop unhealthy relationships with food and exercise. In recent years, several stars have opened up about their struggles with orthorexia, a condition characterized by an obsessive focus on eating foods perceived as healthy.

Orthorexia can have serious physical and mental health consequences, including malnutrition, social isolation, and anxiety. By sharing their experiences, these celebrities help raise awareness about this lesser-known eating disorder and encourage others who may be struggling to seek help. Their stories highlight the importance of maintaining a balanced approach to nutrition and overall well-being.

1) Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow, actress and founder of Goop, has been open about her struggles with disordered eating patterns. She has discussed experiencing orthorexia, an unhealthy obsession with eating foods perceived as healthy.

Paltrow's journey with orthorexia began after her father's cancer diagnosis. She became fixated on eliminating certain food groups from her diet in an attempt to prevent illness and maintain optimal health.

The actress has shared that her restrictive eating habits negatively impacted her well-being and relationships. She found herself constantly thinking about food and feeling anxious about meal choices.

Paltrow has since worked on developing a more balanced approach to nutrition. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying food and not labeling certain foods as "bad" or off-limits.

Through therapy and self-reflection, Paltrow has learned to recognize the signs of orthorexia and manage her tendencies. She now advocates for a more flexible and intuitive approach to eating.

2) Tom Brady

Tom Brady, widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, has been open about his strict dietary habits. While not officially diagnosed with orthorexia, his eating patterns have drawn attention and speculation.

Brady follows an extremely regimented diet, avoiding certain food groups entirely. He abstains from caffeine, white sugar, white flour, nightshade vegetables, and most fruits. His diet consists primarily of organic, plant-based foods and lean proteins.

The quarterback's nutritional regimen extends beyond just food choices. He emphasizes proper hydration and consumes a specific amount of water daily based on his body weight.

Brady's commitment to his diet has been both praised and criticized. Some view it as a key factor in his longevity in professional football, while others question its necessity and potential long-term effects.

Despite the controversy, Brady maintains that his dietary choices have significantly improved his performance and overall health. He credits his nutrition plan for his ability to continue playing at an elite level well into his 40s.

3) Gisele Bündchen

Gisele Bündchen, the renowned supermodel, has been open about her struggles with mental health. The Brazilian beauty has faced challenges including panic attacks, claustrophobia, and thoughts of death and dying.

Bündchen's journey in the modeling industry began at a young age. She was scouted at 14 and moved to New York City at 16 to pursue her career full-time.

Despite her success, Bündchen experienced difficult times. She has spoken about hitting "rock bottom" and dealing with "silent struggles" that many people face.

In recent years, Bündchen has reflected on the importance of kindness and self-care. She emphasizes the value of mental health awareness and the need for support during challenging periods.

While Bündchen hasn't specifically discussed orthorexia, her openness about mental health issues contributes to broader conversations about well-being in the entertainment industry. Her willingness to share her experiences helps reduce stigma surrounding mental health challenges.

4) Jameela Jamil

Jameela Jamil has been vocal about her struggles with eating disorders and body image issues. The actress and activist developed anorexia and body dysmorphia at the age of 14.

Jamil has shared how she engaged in harmful behaviors, including the use of laxatives, which had long-term negative impacts on her health. She has spoken openly about how these practices "destroyed" her body.

The "The Good Place" star now uses her platform to raise awareness about body image issues and mental health. She champions body positivity and fights against toxic diet culture.

Jamil's journey began early, as she was put on a diet at just 11 years old. This experience sparked a 21-year battle with her body image and relationship with food.

Through her advocacy, Jamil aims to prevent others from experiencing similar struggles. She actively challenges societal pressures and unrealistic beauty standards in the media and entertainment industry.

5) Demi Lovato

Demi Lovato has been open about their struggles with various eating disorders, including orthorexia. The singer and actor first encountered disordered eating patterns at a young age.

Lovato's journey with orthorexia began as an attempt to eat healthily. However, it soon became an obsession with "clean" eating that negatively impacted their life.

They have shared that their orthorexic behaviors included excessively checking food labels and ingredients. Lovato also avoided entire food groups they deemed "unhealthy."

The pressure of being in the spotlight exacerbated Lovato's eating issues. They felt constant scrutiny regarding their appearance and diet choices.

In recent years, Lovato has worked towards recovery and a healthier relationship with food. They now advocate for body acceptance and mental health awareness.

Lovato encourages fans facing similar struggles to seek help. They emphasize the importance of professional support in overcoming eating disorders.

6) Lena Dunham

Lena Dunham, creator and star of the HBO series "Girls," has been open about her struggles with mental health. She has publicly discussed her experiences with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety.

Dunham has incorporated these issues into her work, bringing awareness to mental health challenges. In her book "Not That Kind of Girl," she wrote candidly about her experiences with OCD and body image concerns.

The actress has also participated in campaigns to raise awareness around mental illness. She appeared in a video alongside other celebrities like Emma Stone and Michael Phelps to share her story and offer advice on coping mechanisms.

Dunham credits her support system, including colleagues Jenni Konner and Judd Apatow, for helping her navigate her mental health challenges. She has emphasized the importance of having understanding people around her.

By sharing her experiences, Dunham has contributed to the ongoing conversation about mental health in the entertainment industry. Her openness has helped reduce stigma and encourage others to seek help for their own struggles.

7) Alanis Morissette

Alanis Morissette, the Canadian-American singer-songwriter, has been open about her struggles with eating disorders throughout her life. The Grammy Award-winning artist has faced challenges with bulimia and other disordered eating patterns.

Morissette has spoken candidly about her complex relationship with food. She has described her battle with eating disorders as a long-standing issue that has impacted her life significantly.

The "You Oughta Know" singer has sought professional help to address her struggles. Morissette has worked with a team of therapists throughout her career to manage her mental health and eating-related challenges.

In addition to her eating disorder, Morissette has dealt with other mental health issues, including depression. She has been vocal about the importance of seeking support and treatment for these conditions.

Morissette's openness about her experiences has helped raise awareness about eating disorders and mental health in the music industry. Her willingness to share her story has encouraged others to seek help and speak out about their own struggles.

8) Kourtney Kardashian

Kourtney Kardashian has been open about her relationship with food and body image. The reality TV star has discussed her experiences with restrictive eating habits and the pressure to maintain a certain appearance in the public eye.

Kardashian has shared that she attends therapy twice a week, which helps her address various aspects of her life, including her approach to health and wellness. This regular therapy has provided her with increased self-awareness and tools to manage potential issues before they escalate.

In recent years, Kardashian has faced criticism for promoting what some consider restrictive eating habits. Her involvement with "clean eating" trends has sparked discussions about the potential harm of labeling foods as "clean" or "dirty."

The eldest Kardashian sister has also been candid about her postpartum struggles following the birth of her son Rocky Thirteen Barker. She has spoken about the challenges of balancing work and motherhood while recovering from pregnancy.

Kardashian's journey highlights the complexities of navigating health, body image, and public scrutiny in the spotlight. Her experiences resonate with many who struggle with orthorexia and other disordered eating patterns.

9) Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr, the Australian supermodel and entrepreneur, has faced health challenges that have impacted her well-being. In 2024, at age 41, Kerr revealed a six-year struggle with proctitis, a form of irritable bowel syndrome.

Kerr was diagnosed with this condition while pregnant with her son Hart. The model described the experience as "frustrating," highlighting the difficulties of managing her health alongside her busy life as a mother and businesswoman.

Beyond physical health issues, Kerr has also been open about her mental health journey. Following her divorce from actor Orlando Bloom in 2013, she experienced a period of depression.

Kerr has emphasized the importance of self-care and stress management in maintaining her overall health. She has shared various strategies she uses to cope with stress and anxiety, demonstrating her commitment to both physical and mental well-being.

Despite these challenges, Kerr continues to balance her career and family life. She resides in Los Angeles with her husband, Evan Spiegel, and their children, including their youngest son Pierre, born in February 2024.

10) Jessica Alba

Jessica Alba has spoken about her past struggles with disordered eating behaviors. The actress and entrepreneur revealed she developed an unhealthy obsession with food and exercise in her early twenties.

Alba described becoming fixated on maintaining a specific body type for film roles. She restricted her diet severely and exercised excessively, viewing food primarily as fuel rather than something to enjoy.

This rigid approach to eating and fitness negatively impacted Alba's mental and physical health. She experienced anxiety around food choices and social situations involving meals.

With time and support, Alba was able to develop a more balanced relationship with food and her body. She now focuses on overall wellness rather than restrictive diets or intense workout regimens.

Alba uses her platform to promote body acceptance and intuitive eating. She encourages fans to prioritize health over achieving an idealized body type.

11) Bella Hadid

Bella Hadid, a renowned supermodel, has been open about her struggles with mental health and chronic illness. While not specifically discussing orthorexia, Hadid has shared her experiences with depression, anxiety, and Lyme disease.

The model has spoken frankly about the toll these conditions have taken on her well-being. Hadid's candid discussions have helped raise awareness about mental health issues in the fashion industry.

Despite her glamorous public image, Hadid has faced significant challenges throughout her career. She has emphasized the importance of self-care and seeking help when needed.

Hadid has also used her platform to address the unrealistic expectations set by social media. She has reminded her followers that what they see online is not always an accurate representation of reality.

The supermodel's willingness to share her personal struggles has contributed to destigmatizing mental health issues. Her openness has resonated with many fans and fellow industry professionals.

Understanding Orthorexia

Orthorexia is a complex eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. It involves rigid dietary rules and an extreme fixation on food quality and purity.

Defining Orthorexia

Orthorexia, derived from Greek words meaning "correct appetite," refers to an excessive preoccupation with consuming only foods perceived as healthy or pure. Unlike other eating disorders focused on quantity, orthorexia centers on food quality.

Individuals with orthorexia often follow strict dietary regimens, eliminating entire food groups they deem unhealthy. This can lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.

The condition was first described by Dr. Steven Bratman in 1997. While not officially recognized in diagnostic manuals, mental health professionals increasingly acknowledge orthorexia as a distinct eating disorder.

Symptoms and Diagnoses

Common signs of orthorexia include:

Obsessive checking of ingredient lists and nutritional labels
Cutting out increasing numbers of food groups
Inability to eat anything except a narrow group of foods deemed "healthy"
Unusual interest in the health of ingredients others are eating
Spending hours thinking about food that might be served at upcoming events

Physical symptoms may include malnutrition, weight loss, and gastrointestinal issues. Emotional effects often involve anxiety, guilt, and social isolation.

Diagnosis can be challenging as orthorexia shares traits with other disorders. Mental health professionals typically assess eating patterns, beliefs about food, and impacts on daily functioning.

Treatment usually involves cognitive-behavioral therapy, nutritional counseling, and addressing underlying anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

Mental Health Implications

Orthorexia can have significant psychological consequences and often intersects with other eating disorders. The obsessive focus on "clean eating" can lead to anxiety, social isolation, and a distorted relationship with food and body image.

Psychological Impact

Individuals with orthorexia often experience heightened anxiety around food choices and meal planning. This constant worry can lead to stress, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating on daily tasks. Social relationships may suffer as the person becomes isolated due to rigid eating habits.

Self-esteem often becomes tied to adherence to dietary rules, leading to feelings of guilt or shame when "slip-ups" occur. Perfectionism and a need for control are common traits among those with orthorexia, potentially exacerbating existing mental health issues.

Connection to Other Eating Disorders

Orthorexia shares similarities with anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Like anorexia, it involves food restriction and body image concerns. The obsessive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors around food mirror symptoms of OCD.

Many individuals with orthorexia may have a history of other eating disorders or be at risk for developing them. The extreme focus on food quality can mask underlying body dysmorphia or serve as a socially acceptable form of disordered eating.

Treatment often requires addressing both the orthorexic behaviors and any co-occurring mental health conditions for full recovery.

Celebrities Share Their Battle with Orthorexia: Obsessive Healthy Eating Exposed