In my thesis I explored the boundary between eating disorders - specifically orthorexia and healthy eating habits. In the theoretical part, I first described addictions (eating disorders are one of them). Secondly, I described eating disorders in general, defined their causes and origins, and described the characteristics of each eating disorder individually. Furthermore, I emphasised how promoting a healthy lifestyle affects an individual's self-image. Finally, I ended my theoretical part by describing the relationship between working with individuals who have recovered from eating disorders and social work. In my empirical part, I analysed and presented what findings I came to during my research. I interviewed twelve individuals. Three of them are individuals who have recovered from orthorexia, three of them have recovered from another type of eating disorder, three of them are social workers (two of them work with individuals who struggle with eating disorders), and three of them are other professionals who work (or have worked) with individuals who struggle with eating disorders. I explored the differences in perceptions of eating disorders (recognising the first signs of eating disorders, where to draw the line, where an eating disorder begins, its necessity, challenges) between all four groups (individuals recovering from orthorexia, individuals recovering from another type of eating disorder, social workers, and other professionals). I have found that the first signs of an eating disorder are recognised very late, practically where the line between eating disorder and healthy eating habits runs. It's important to stay alert, because that's how we can work on prevention. I also want to emphasise that we as experts need to listen more and work together with users. Research has shown that there are differences in perceptions of needs and challenges between individuals who have recovered from an eating disorder and experts in the field. The needs of individuals struggling with orthorexia are not significantly different from the needs of individuals struggling with other types of eating disorders. In addition, research has shown that orthorexia is not well known even among experts, so it is important to promote awareness of this disorder. I have also found that in Slovenia there is a lack of organisations working with people struggling with eating disorders and there are still many people who do not seek help. In addition, research has shown that what approach the expert has when working with people (that the individual feels accepted, safe and heard) is more important than their profession. Eating disorders are a very complex area, so we need to take a holistic approach when working with individuals struggling with eating disorders, focusing on all aspects of their lives, not just one. The results of the research are useful to me and I think they will also be useful to professionals working in this field.
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