EXCLUSIVE: What is Orthorexia? Gabby's illness explained as Manpreet tries to get through to her
Gabby's become obsessed with what she consumesEmmerdale is currently airing a worrying storyline for Gabby Thomas as she has developed a condition called orthorexia meaning her whole life has become centred around healthy eating.
She’s become obsessed with eating only whole foods as well as limiting the medications she takes. As she struggles with a chest infection, the doctor, Manpreet, has realised something is very wrong. And Gabby’s social media posts have confirmed it. But Gabby is refusing to listen to reason…
So what is happening? What type of eating disorder does Gabby have? And how can Manpreet help?
Gabby’s clean eating has gone too far in Emmerdale
Recently in Emmerdale, Gabby has become focused on eating ‘healthily,’ introducing a new green menu at the Hide. The meals haven’t gone down well with all of the customers and now the business is in serious debt.
But Gabby doesn’t want to hear it. She is also following a strict diet.
Not only this, she’s been trying to influence others around her to do the same. She has been telling them about all the nasty ingredients used in things like pancakes and pizza. Her own son Thomas has been banned from having ice lollies as a result.
This week, Gabby went to the doctors with a terrible cough. Manpreet told her she had a chest infection and needed a course of antibiotics to clear it.
However, Gabby believes the pharmaceutical companies are just out to make money by forcing people to put ‘poison’ in their bodies. She has not been taking the pills. Even coughing up blood hasn’t convinced her to.
Manpreet ran some blood tests and tonight (Friday October 2) she revealed they have shown Gabby is serverely nutrient deficient as she isn’t eating a balanced diet. But Gabby still refused to listen to reason.
Next week she will collapse and will finally agree to get help. But what impact has this had on those around her?
What’s the matter with Gabby? What is orthorexia?
Gabby seems to be struggling with the condition orthorexia nervosa – an eating disorder. But, what is it?
Ashley Moser, LMFT, CEDS, Clinical Education Specialist at The Renfrew Center, told us: “Orthorexia is described as an obsession with consuming only ‘healthy’ foods in the pursuit of wellness. This fixation on health can paradoxically result in serious medical and mental health consequences, leaving the individual less healthy than before.”
She added that “Orthorexia can result in disordered eating in the pursuit of wellness and health through only eating ‘healthy’ foods.
“Individuals with orthorexia may engage in compulsive label checking and spend an excessive amount of time planning meals and preparing food. Eating foods that are not considered ‘healthy’ creates significant emotional distress and may result in food rules and restrictions as well as the avoidance of restaurants and/or social events where ‘healthy’ options may be more limited.”
This is something we have seen with Gabby. She has refused to let Thomas go to a party due to the menu, and she avoided eating the meal Billy cooked for her.
Getting help
So how can people suffering with Orthorexia can be helped? Ashley tells us: “Due to the complex nature of orthorexia, a multidisciplinary approach to treatment is recommended. A team of therapists, dietitians, medical providers and psychiatrists work together to target multiple factors including medical complications, nutritional deficits and mental health conditions.
“Eating disorder treatment is best equipped to address the medical, nutritional and psychological needs of individuals with orthorexia.
“Treatment centers such as The Renfrew Center offer multiple treatment options from residential to outpatient care and provide opportunities to learn more about orthorexia and eating disorders through blogs, podcasts, social media and support groups.”
But whether Gabby will accept help remains to be seen.
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns
