Who is “orthorexic” in the article you cited? The parents or the child? The parents are physically healthy, so their choice in diet is not killing or harming them. The child was not making decisions. I believe we have other syndromes that explain the parents’ behavior.

This word is not necessary. This new term simply creates a fear that concern for healthy eating might be bad for you. Americans need a dose of healthy eating information, not fear that this curiosity might label them as nuts.

I too love new words. Just picked up the word ekphrastic, which I had never heard before…and I love it!

But I do not agree with creating new words and syndromes specifically to prevent Americans from seeking information on healthier eating and alternatives to the non-food entities that we are encouraged to put in our mouths by millions of $$ in advertising. There “IS” an imbalance in spending so much to convince others that something so obviously unnatural in the feeding of humans should be put in our mouths…like Twinkies or McDonald’s French fries that never decompose! What is the term to describe that advertising phenomena?? That’s one I would like to see publicized!!!

Maeve – I agree that there is no taste sensation like garden fresh food! While I am angry at the creation of the word you posted, I guess I appreciate knowing it exists…oh well…

This is the first time I have heard this word. I wonder when, and if, it will gain the same degree of familiarity as “anorexia.” What’s the adjective? “Orthorexic?”

Moving from food to words: Do you know of a word that means concern about using the correct word and avoiding unclear words? (“Wise” comes to mind, but I’m looking for something more specific to word choices.)

I agree that grave problems exist with our food supply. I’m growing some of my own vegetables this summer. It’s amazing how much better homegrown tomatoes and zuchinni taste than what is available at the supermarket.