Emmerdale's Gabby Thomas storyline highlights orthorexia, a condition that affects more people in the UK than anorexia and bulimia combined, yet is not clinically recognised as an eating disorder. Actress Rosie Bentham discussed the storyline with Metro, explaining the dangers of the condition and the role of social media.
Gabby's Pathological Obsession with 'Pure' Foods
Rosie described orthorexia as a condition in which sufferers develop a pathological obsession with eating what they deem only 'pure' foods. In the storyline, Gabby's fixation becomes a lack of control that puts her life on the line, as she restricts herself from food groups needed for recovery.
Rosie said: 'She's not actually fuelling herself with a balanced diet, which is what she needs. She has taken the control way too far and restricting herself from the food groups that would heal her from this.'
Social Media's Role in Triggering Fixations
Rosie noted that social media algorithms can trigger intense fixations on food. She said: 'The social media algorithm sucks you in, doesn't it? Because I am very interested in the gym and being healthy, I noticed that my algorithm was getting so extreme, and the pressure put on young people especially.'
She added: 'I was really interested in why we are scrolling down our social media page and listening to a random person with probably no qualifications in nutrition, and they're walking down a supermarket aisle and telling us that if you eat this, this is going to happen and this chemical means this.'
Gabby's Background and Character Fit
Rosie said the storyline was a perfect fit for Gabby, who has dealt with grief, heartbreak, failed marriages, and an absent mother. She said: 'I picture Gabby as the kind of people who wakes up everyday and asks "what can I do today to make my life better and make sense of all this chaos around me?"'
Rosie added: 'This is where orthorexia creeps in. You think that you're taking control, but actually, at what point is it a complete pathological fixation that you can't like go of?'
What is Orthorexia?
Orthorexia refers to an unhealthy obsession with eating 'pure' food. Food considered 'pure' or 'impure' varies from person to person, and this doesn't mean that anyone who diets or follows a healthy eating plan is suffering from the condition. The behaviour is used to cope with negative thoughts and feelings, or to feel in control.
If someone with orthorexia consumes food they feel is unhealthy, they may feel anxious or guilty. Someone's belief about what is healthy might lead them to cutting out essential nutrients or food groups, leading to potential physical problems. Orthorexia is currently not recognised in a clinical setting as a separate eating disorder, so someone who visits the doctor with the symptoms would not be officially diagnosed with it.
In the storyline, Gabby suffers a panic attack after losing control, and later collapses and is rushed to hospital, leaving her fighting for her life. Eventually, Gabby will admit what is going on and seek the help of Laurel.
Rosie said: 'It's really difficult because some people watching it at the start might have been like "what's the problem? Why are they talking about it? She's eating healthy and exercising. This is a great thing. We should be encouraging this." Of course we should be encouraging healthy lifestyles.'
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8pm on ITV, with episodes available to stream on ITVX from 7am each morning.
