What’s the matter with Gabby in Emmerdale? Here’s exactly what orthorexia is
Gabby's become obsessed with what she consumes
Emmerdale is currently airing a worrying storyline for Gabby Thomas as 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.
This has seen her fall unwell. But, what is the condition that Gabby is struggling with?
Gabby fell unwell in Emmerdale
Recently in Emmerdale, Gabby has become focused on eating ‘healthily,’ introducing a new green menu at the Hide.
While the new meals haven’t exactly gone down well with all of the customers, Gabby’s been following a strict diet.
Not only this, she’s been trying to influence others around her to do the same, 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.
Last night in the Dales (Sunday, July 26), Gabby continued to watch online food videos despite having a funny turn.
Dawn spotted Gabby feeling faint and dizzy and called Manpreet to check her over. Manpreet then noticed that Gabby had stopped taking the contraceptive pill, asking Gabby to do a pregnancy test (which was negative).
It wasn’t long before Dawn and Billy found out about Gabby’s decision to stop her medication. They were worried about the extremities that Gabby was going to with her new ‘healthy living’ obsession. But, Gabby told them that they had nothing to worry about and that Dawn was just stirring the pot.
What’s the matter with Gabby? What is orthorexia?
Gabby Thomas seems to be struggling with the condition orthorexia nervosa – an eating disorder. But, what is it?
The disorder is described by the charity Beat as ‘an unhealthy obsession with eating ‘pure’ food.’
The website explains: “The eating behaviour involved – ‘healthy’ or ‘clean’ eating in this case – is used to cope with negative thoughts and feelings, or to feel in control. Someone using food in this way might feel extremely anxious or guilty if they eat food they feel is unhealthy.”
In Gabby’s case, Gabby first turned to ‘healthy’ eating in a bid to cope with rejection after Ross turned her down. This has continued even now she’s in a relationship with Billy.
Someone who has the disorder may end up ‘cutting out’ whole food groups altogether, lacking in certain nutrients. This can cause someone to feel physically ill.
To treat the disorder, dietetic support and psychological therapy might be needed.
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns
