Health anxiety and OCD: Does anyone else struggle with this?

..I have been reading in several news outlets lately about a new "illness" emerging in the "world"—a disorder, or whatever they call it—regarding an obsession with health. They mentioned what it was called, but I cannot recall the specific term.

There was even one of those yes/no tests... and well, I came back "positive" with a very high score.😢

The questions were things like: do you spend more than two hours a day obsessing over what you are going to eat... and so on.

My father passed away from cancer recently—as did half my extended family—and ever since then, I have become completely obsessed.
Initially, I decided to simply eat "healthy."
Which meant cutting out: deli meats, fast food, hot dogs... things of that nature.
Oh, and the plan was: I will eat vegetables, fruit... whole grains... that sort of thing.
But then the obsession escalates, and you find yourself standing in the grocery store aisle staring intensely at a bag of frozen peas, thinking to myself, "Ah, frozen... the label says that isn't recommended..." and then you just move on. Then there is fish... frozen... I can't eat that, it might be old. Milk?! PLEASE. IT SAYS RIGHT THERE: humans are the only mammals that drink milk. And eggs?! I am not crazy enough to eat eggs... eggs are poison. Then you read somewhere that deodorants cause breast cancer, so of course, I would rather smell bad; I have developed a phobia regarding using deodorant, spending five minutes agonizing over whether I should apply it right now or not...

Saccharin?! It is nice because it has no calories... but your hand actually starts to tremble the moment you are tempted to put it in your coffee.
Coffee?! My greatest vice.😢 Perhaps the only normal way I view a food item, because I don't have a phobia regarding coffee, and like any sane person, I don't sit there ruminating on whether it is healthy or unhealthy.
....
Not to mention that once this obsession takes hold, it leads to reading the ingredient labels on jarred peppers, worrying that a pickle isn't right for your sensitive stomach and that you will develop an ulcer in five years because of it, or the conviction that instant coffee is toxic because it contains "additives."

...The point of this thread is not for people to come forward with theories like "eggs are/are not healthy"... or "cancer isn't caused by diet, but by stress"... so I ask that we do not let the discussion veer in the wrong direction; please, rather not post at all. And yes, ...of course, NO ONE needs to tell me that this obsession is abnormal, and because of that, I CERTAINLY am not going to a psychiatrist if anyone happens to think that idea is necessary.

So, essentially, I am interested in two things:
Are there other people like me here?

..The fact remains that this is not an addiction; it is simply a state of mind. This is how I want to live. If I didn't want this, well, I wouldn't. Is it a problem that I *want* this?! An obsession??! I cannot bring myself to eat a hot dog because I don't want to; I have a guilty conscience...

..
And I also hold somewhat extreme views because, out of respect for people who, for example, die from lung cancer, I cannot ignore what happened to them by choosing to smoke. Because, I mean, people smoke... because when they start, they don't think about the consequences, but they don't stop later just because statistics—say, 1 in 100—tell them they are among the 99 lucky ones. Would they stop if they knew their future was that "1"? They would, IMMEDIATELY.
Still, I do not want reactions from smokers. I am not attacking anyone. Because, I am admittedly an extreme case. 🙄

And the second thing I am wondering about: I truly cannot decide whether this is okay, or if I should stop doing it. ...Perhaps I am just wired this way and cannot be happy any other way... I think about it less and simply don't eat hot dogs, because honestly, there is nothing strange about that.

Live and let live... okay. That is my mantra. Kill yourselves if you must.😁

People say... both ways have their advantages. Do they??! The advantage being rushing toward an early death?! To that, they say: fate is fate, you might die from one puff of smoke...
And the true advantage is the relaxed life of these "normal" people... but then again, a person with an obsession like mine does not want an ignorant existence. ...

Everything in my life essentially revolves around one stance: OUT OF RESPECT FOR THOSE PEOPLE...

And so... this has somehow spiraled into one massive monologue, ha...🙂👋

dustypilot2 said:My father passed away from cancer not too long ago, along with several other relatives, and since then, I have become completely obsessed with the subject.

People like to claim that both options have their own merits, don't they? They say there's a balance to be found. But I have to ask myself—is the primary "merit" here simply accelerating an early grave? That seems to be the logic being used. They tell you that fate is fate, and that one puff of smoke isn't going to be what finally takes you out. It's a rather grim way to look at things, isn't it?

The true advantage lies in the more relaxed lifestyle led by those "normal" people. And yet, I suppose a man burdened by an obsession such as mine cannot settle for a life defined by ignorance.

I am inclined to believe that the most profound catalyst for adopting a truly healthy mindset occurs only when we witness a close family member succumb to an illness—one that might have been entirely preventable had they lived differently. It is in those moments of grief that we finally see the reality of our choices. We witness the consequences, and driven by a deep-seated sense of fear and a desire to avoid a similar fate, we find ourselves making the difficult decision to change.

Yes, there’s a genuine sense of fear involved here. It stems from the realization that we could easily find ourselves in the exact same position. We are constantly being bombarded with all this data regarding genetic inheritance and hereditary predispositions, yet we often overlook the most fundamental driver. The primary catalyst for shared genetics isn't some abstract scientific mystery; it's simply the same kitchen table where the entire family gathers every single day, sharing the exact same meals.

Fear isn't necessarily a negative thing. In fact, I believe that true courage can only grow from a foundation of fear; there is no such thing as genuine bravery that hasn't been tempered by at least a little bit of apprehension. It is about having the courage to actually take action, to make a meaningful change in one's life. For me, that means making the conscious decision to stop consuming all the junk food we are constantly bombarded with through endless advertisements. It’s about deciding to step away from being a mindless consumer of nicotine, fast food, and sugary sodas. 😢
Some might argue that a small amount won't kill you—and in my view, that’s technically true. However, I believe we are overlooking the deeper issue at hand. The most significant danger lies in our habits. We are the architects of our own routines, yet once those patterns are established, they become incredibly difficult to break. Eventually, we find ourselves becoming slaves to them. It is important to remember that most chronic health issues don't just appear out of thin air overnight; they are the cumulative result of years spent following these detrimental lifestyle choices.

To avoid falling into the trap of becoming obsessed with a "healthy lifestyle," one must commit to a certain level of education and research. It is necessary to refine our ability to process information, ensuring we aren't constantly thrown off balance by every new trend that surfaces. We have entered an era where "wellness" seems to be the only topic of conversation, yet the sheer volume of data available can be overwhelming. There is a massive influx of information out there, but without learning how to distinguish between substance and noise, it becomes useless. One must develop a logical framework—a way of thinking that allows us to categorize these various claims and organize them into a coherent, sensible whole. 🙂

We have to be realistic here. It is virtually impossible to maintain a perfectly healthy lifestyle in this day and age, given the sheer number of obstacles thrown our way. However, we must remain mindful that there is a significant amount we can actually control through our own conscious decisions. If we are aware of how many negative environmental factors we can mitigate—or even eliminate entirely—we can make a real difference. It is actually quite simple, really; just ask me. 🙂

One might argue that we aren't entirely helpless in the face of biological decline, and I find there is significant merit in that claim. It is an undeniable physiological fact that the human body is in a state of constant, perpetual regeneration; our very cells are incessantly rebuilding themselves. However, I must add a necessary caveat: the caliber of this cellular renewal is fundamentally dictated by our nutritional intake. We must view food not merely as sustenance, but as the essential raw material required to facilitate such vital structural reconstruction.

Researchers have arrived at some rather sobering conclusions lately: roughly 70% of the ailments we face today can be traced directly back to our dietary choices and general lifestyle. If that is indeed the root cause, then logic dictates that the remedy—true healing—must also lie within those same habits. It stands to reason, given the fact that the human body is in a constant state of regeneration. Every single year, through the food we consume, the water we drink, and even the very air we breathe, our bodies take in approximately six or seven pounds of pure toxins. Our internal systems are forced to work tirelessly to eliminate these substances, attempting, with varying degrees of success, to purge them from our systems.

The concept of being "obsessed with a healthy lifestyle" is really just a label born from a fundamental lack of understanding. It stems from people who either aren't aware of the underlying facts or, perhaps more likely, they are aware of them but simply lack the tools to interpret what those facts actually mean. In my experience, this particular adjective is most frequently hurled at those who have taken a step toward actual knowledge and made a conscious decision to change their habits. It’s usually thrown by those who haven't given the matter much thought—people who base their entire worldview on passing opinions rather than hard evidence and sound, logical reasoning.

I truly applaud your decision to overhaul your diet and lifestyle. However, if I may offer a suggestion, please try to prioritize your education on the subject. It is vital to learn how to distinguish the good from the bad, so that when you are faced with less-than-ideal options—since we can't always control our environment—you can at least choose the lesser of two evils.

Personally, I have discovered ways to exert much more influence over these factors, focusing not just on disease prevention, but on how to rapidly revitalize one's body and overall health. Yet, whenever I attempt to share this knowledge, people tend to label me as "obsessed." It has become quite strange that someone would genuinely care about another person's well-being; nowadays, it seems everyone is strictly focused on themselves. There is also this pervasive prejudice—this mindset that it’s somehow better to be sick personally than to be healthy and allow someone else to profit from that health. It’s that classic, cynical Midwestern attitude. 🙂 😁

Ultimately, I would much rather deal with a "premature obsession with a healthy lifestyle" than a "belated obsession with medications and chronic illness." ... 😉 🙂 😁 👍

Can I ask something? What's the deal with eggs and carrots? 🤔

analogmarlin41 said:Can I ask one thing? What’s the deal with eggs and hot dogs? 🤔

From what I gather, eggs are loaded with cholesterol, plus you've got the risk of bacteria like Salmonella on the shells. Hot dogs? They're just processed scraps—beaks, feet, whatever leftovers you get from a chicken. Basically junk food. But look, I'll respect the OP's wishes and won't go down that rabbit hole.

OP, first off, I am sorry for your loss. 😢 Second, if you've lost people you loved to cancer, this reaction is completely normal. It makes sense that you'd spiral into this kind of "paranoia" and fear. It's a survival instinct kicking in.
Look, forgive me if I'm wrong here, but it seems like your biggest fear right now is death itself. Nothing stops death. You can only delay it. Try living healthy, but that isn't just about what's on your plate. You need exercise, maybe some yoga for mental balance, moving out of the city, stuff like that. Honestly, living healthy is hard enough as it is; don't obsess over every single bite you take. It's a losing battle.
To answer your question: yes, there are others here feeling the same way. Luckily, I stopped freaking out about it because the constant thought that I was swallowing poison, bacteria, or parasites was driving me insane.
Just let go. Take care of yourself, but don't overdo it. Stressing out and being paranoid will wreck your mental health, and eventually, your physical health too.

analogmarlin41 said:Can I ask one thing? What’s even the big deal with eggs and hot dogs? 🤔

It sucks 🥳

dustypilot2 said:.. the fact is, it isn't an addiction, it's just a mindset. That's what I want. If I didn't want it, obviously I wouldn't. Is it a problem if I want this?! Obsession??! I can't eat a hot dog because I don't want to, I get guilty...

Yeah, and I smoke a pack a day just because that's what I "want." If I didn't want it, I wouldn't. You catch the logic there?
And a close friend of mine who dealt with anorexia used to eat microscopic amounts of food just because she "wanted" to. 🙄

Look, honey, based on what you're saying, you're definitely addicted.

There's a line between watching what you eat and going overboard until it actually becomes a sickness. You don't have to eat hot dogs (I don't either when I have options), but you also shouldn't be dissecting every single ingredient in a jar.

My whole family went through biochemical testing to see which foods were messing them up. And get this—cow's milk, wheat, yeast... they stuck to those rules for a bit, then after a month, their doctor told them they weren't sane and were gonna starve to death. 😁 😁 😁

They cut out cow's milk and drink soy, oat, or goat milk instead, and they eat goat or sheep cheese, but they haven't cut it out of everything else that contains it. Same with wheat. They can eat rye bread, but what about pasta, gnocchi, cookies, sauces with flour, or anything breaded or cheesy?

Bottom line: ditch what you can and what's definitely hurting you. Cut the gluten, the canned stuff, Coca-Cola, junk food... but don't stress and don't give up the joy of eating just because something isn't "healthy." Just scale back instead of cutting it all out.

Being happy and chill is just as important for your health. 😉

Karen Thompson79 said:From what I can tell, eggs are loaded with cholesterol, plus the shell itself might carry bacteria like salmonella...

That was the old way of thinking, but it's simply incorrect.
Only the yolk holds a significant amount of cholesterol. Interestingly enough, the egg white actually contains a cholesterol absorption inhibitor.

So, if your goal is to dodge cholesterol, you should eat the whole egg.😉 As for the salmonella concern, that is easily managed through proper heat treatment.

Regarding this debate over "healthy" versus "unhealthy" diets, I still maintain that whatever provides calories fastest is what kills hunger—at least that's how it looks in Africa.

Life is far too short to waste on these trivial worries (there are much bigger problems out there).
We aren't immortal; one has to come to terms with that fact.

granitebadger25 said:That was the old way of thinking, but it's wrong.
Only the yolk holds high cholesterol... but, interestingly, the whites actually contain a cholesterol absorption inhibitor.

So, if you want to dodge cholesterol, just eat the whole egg. 😉
As for Salmonella, heat treatment solves that problem easily enough.

Regarding "healthy" versus "unhealthy" diets—honestly, the fastest way to kill hunger is whatever gets calories into you (at least that's how it looks in Africa).

Life is too short to waste on these kinds of worries. There are much bigger problems out there.
We aren't immortal. Deal with it.

Whoa, I had no idea about the egg white thing. A cholesterol absorption inhibitor? Got a link or anything? That's a fascinating bit of info. 😁 Now I can finally enjoy a whole egg without guilt 😉 (I’ve always tried to skip the yolk).
Sure, you can kill Salmonella with heat, but there's always a risk—like in various dessert creams and stuff. Salmonella is one of the most common intestinal issues in America and globally. 😉 Even though humanity has mastered heat treatment. 😁 Heh.
Also, a word to the author: being careful is fine, but obsessing helps no one. You don't need a psychiatrist; you just need some common sense and to stop overthinking it. Eat what you want when you want, just try to cut out the worst stuff or minimize it. Just eat less junk.😉

Atlanta,
The info was posted on the Pfizer health portal maybe a year or two ago—I can't recall the exact timing—along with a link to the journal where it originally appeared. Someone really ought to dig through their archives to find it.

I remember it clearly because my father has been on a strict diet for years due to hyperlipidemia... he was just as thrilled by this as you were. 😁 ... And I have to admit, the rest of us in the family have become much more relaxed about how many eggs we eat. 😬

dustypilot2 said:..I’ve seen a few news outlets mention this new "disorder" popping up lately... some kind of health obsession... can't recall the exact term.

Is this it?

I have a pretty close friend dealing with this exact thing, even though her family is perfectly healthy. She's been stuck in this loop for years and it's reached a scary point... I'm not sure she'll pull herself out easily... Out of respect for everyone involved, just try to stop the nonsense and eat normally.👋

rustymoose54 said:Gluten is gone,

Look, if the person who started this thread doesn't actually have celiac disease, then ditching all gluten is just... I don't know, pointless? It’s basically impossible to pull off, and honestly, it’s freaking expensive too.

Besides, I’m getting the feeling this whole thread is heading straight into psychology territory—like, we're gonna end up with people nitpicking over what counts as "healthy" versus "unhealthy" before long... just another circle jerk of opinions...