Dopamine plays a central role in both ADHD and eating behaviors. In ADHD, fluctuating dopamine levels can make it difficult to engage in “routine” food-related tasks like grocery shopping, meal preparation, and consistent eating. In the context of eating disorders, this same dopamine dysregulation can drive the brain to seek alternative ways to create stimulation, regulate emotions, or experience reward, often through disordered eating patterns.

When “healthy living” turns unhealthy: Understanding Orthorexia and what to look out for. In today’s culture, we’re constantly bombarded with messages that glorify “clean eating”, intense fitness routines, perfectly portioned meals, and rigid discipline. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to nourish your body, there’s a fine line between prioritizing health and becoming consumed by it. Unfortunately, many disordered eating behaviors have become so normalized in our society that they’re often praised rather than questioned. When a fixation on food, exercise, or “healthy living” begins to interfere with daily life, strain relationships, or create emotional distress, it may be a sign of orthorexia or other disordered eating patterns.