Mar 13 • 19:07 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Iltalehti

Melina Mäkelä fell ill with orthorexia – The doctor's words echoed in my mind

Radio host Melina Mäkelä shares her personal struggle with orthorexia, a condition characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy eating, stemming from a significant life change in 2024.

In a candid Instagram post, Melina Mäkelä, a radio host and contestant on the 'Special Forces' series, opened up about her battle with orthorexia, a type of eating disorder defined by an unhealthy obsession with eating only what is considered healthy. This condition started for her following a life transition that began in 2024 and escalated to the point where it severely impacted her social relationships and mental health.

Mäkelä recounted a particularly discouraging experience with a doctor during a consultation for breast reduction surgery, where the physician laughed dismissively and suggested that she should first try losing weight before considering the procedure. This interaction made her even more determined to prove him wrong, leading her deeper into unhealthy eating habits. By the end of 2025, she felt completely disconnected from her former self and isolated from her family and friends, which exacerbated her condition.

Her story shines a light on the serious implications of orthorexia and underscores the importance of seeking help and understanding the mental health aspects behind such disorders. As she continues to navigate her recovery, Mäkelä's experience serves as a reminder of the societal pressures surrounding body image and food, and the need for compassionate healthcare support.

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