Search

Background: Orthorexia is a complex phenomenon comprising distinct dimensions, including orthorexia nervosa (ON) and healthy orthorexia (HO). However, little is known about the factors influencing these dimensions, their disparities, and the psychological factors underlying orthorexia behaviours. Objectives: This study aims to explore ON versus HO dimensions and the predictive role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a nationally representative sample of Polish individuals. In addition, we aim to investigate the mediating roles of alexithymia, embodiment, and experiential avoidance levels in this association. Methods: A representative sample of Polish adults (n = 3557) participated in this study. Dimensions of orthorexia (HO, ON) were assessed using the Teruel Orthorexia Scale, while ACEs were evaluated using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire. Levels of alexithymia were measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, experiential avoidance through the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and embodiment intensity via the Experience of Embodiment Scale. Results: Cluster analysis identified two distinctive orthorexia profiles in the whole sample, i.e., HO (n = 469) and ON (n = 1217), alongside three intermediate HO/ON profiles (n = 1871). The number of ACEs predicted ON tendencies as opposed to HO behaviours in participants. The mediating role of alexithymia, experiential avoidance, and embodiment in the association between ACEs and ON was also observed. Conclusions: Our study suggests that orthorexia is a multidimensional eating style shaped by socio-cultural factors. Adverse childhood experiences may be related to ON behaviours by mediating psychological factors such as experiential avoidance, alexithymia, and embodiment. Effective education and collaborative support are necessary for addressing ON tendencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Orthorexia is a complex phenomenon comprising distinct dimensions, including orthorexia nervosa (ON) and healthy orthorexia (HO). However, little is known about the factors influencing these dimensions, their disparities, and the psychological factors underlying orthorexia behaviours. Objectives This study aims to explore ON versus HO dimensions and the predictive role of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a nationally representative sample of Polish individuals. In addition, we aim to investigate the mediating roles of alexithymia, embodiment, and experiential avoidance levels in this association. Methods A representative sample of Polish adults (n = 3557) participated in this study. Dimensions of orthorexia (HO, ON) were assessed using the Teruel Orthorexia Scale, while ACEs were evaluated using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire. Levels of alexithymia were measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, experiential avoidance through the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, and embodiment intensity via the Experience of Embodiment Scale. Results Cluster analysis identified two distinctive orthorexia profiles in the whole sample, i.e., HO (n = 469) and ON (n = 1217), alongside three intermediate HO/ON profiles (n = 1871). The number of ACEs predicted ON tendencies as opposed to HO behaviours in participants. The mediating role of alexithymia, experiential avoidance, and embodiment in the association between ACEs and ON was also observed. Conclusions Our study suggests that orthorexia is a multidimensional eating style shaped by socio-cultural factors. Adverse childhood experiences may be related to ON behaviours by mediating psychological factors such as experiential avoidance, alexithymia, and embodiment. Effective education and collaborative support are necessary for addressing ON tendencies.

Orthorexia nervosa is described as a pathological fixation with healthy eating. Many risk factors contribute to the development of orthorexia nervosa. This study aimed to better understand the role of perfectionism in the development of orthorexia nervosa. In this context, studies on the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and perfectionism were reviewed. In the databases of PubMed, Wiley Online Library and Sage Journals and were searched. The keywords “orthorexia”, “orthorexia nervosa”, “pathologically healthy eating” and “perfectionism” were used in the search. As a result of the scanning, 17 articles on the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and perfectionism were examined. Studies were evaluated in terms of sample characteristics, study design, orthorexia nervosa measurement tools and study results. The results indicate that orthorexia nervosa and perfectionism are related. In addition, only one study found a weak relationship between ON and perfectionism. However, for more comprehensive findings on the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and perfectionism, cross-cultural studies are needed. Finally, the concept of perfectionism, which is effective in the development of orthorexia nervosa, may be a guide for effective treatment techniques.

Introduction: The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is linked to various motivations, such as health, ethics, ecology, and social and religious influence. India has the highest proportion of vegetarians and vegans. The practise of these diets is linked to moral and health reasons and environmental concerns. Vegetarianism may also be associated with eating disorders such as orthorexia (ON). Aim: The main aim of this study was to determine the psychosocial aspects of vegetarian diets. Understanding these aspects is crucial for identifying potential risks and developing effective interventions. This study investigated the reasons for following vegetarian diets, the duration of dietary adherence, the occurrence of feelings of restriction in selected situations, and the risk of orthorexia and other eating disorders. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 186 individuals (82 vegetarians and 104 traditional dieters) between October 2023 and April 2024. The survey was administered via a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) using Google Forms, distributed through social media, forums, and private messages. The inclusion criteria for the study group included consent, an age over 18, and a vegetarian diet, excluding those with eating disorders or diseases requiring strict diet therapy. The control group criteria were similar, excluding vegetarians and those requiring special diets. Four unreliable questionnaires were excluded from the analysis. The survey consisted of four sections: metric data, the ORTO-15 questionnaire, the EAT-26 questionnaire, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire. Results: The main motivations for following vegetarian diets were ethical and environmental (86.9%) and health (32.1%) reasons. Over half of the vegetarians had been following a plant-based diet for over five years. Vegetarians were more likely to feel restricted in restaurants and when grocery shopping. The ORTO-15 results indicate a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians (48.8% vs. 29.4% in the control group; p = 0.00673). The EAT-26 questionnaire showed a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians (23.8% vs. 14.7%; p = 0.11391). The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences between groups (Subscale 1: food restriction, p = 0.77279; Subscale 2: lack of control in overeating, p = 0.91935; Subscale 3: eating under the influence of emotions, p = 0.16612). Conclusions: This study concluded that ethical and environmental considerations and a belief in health benefits mainly drive vegetarians. An analysis of BMI revealed no significant differences between groups. The ORTO-15 results suggest a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians. The EAT-26 indicated a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians and vegans. The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences in restrictive eating, lack of control in overeating, and emotional eating. Vegetarians were likelier to encounter dietary difficulties in restaurants and shopping but less likely to feel socially excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Orthorexia nervosa (ON), characterized by a pathological preoccupation with "extreme dietary purity," is increasingly observed as a mental health condition among young adults and the general population. However, its diagnosis is not formally recognized and has remained contentious. Objective: In this systematic review, we attempt to overview previous reviews on ON, focusing on the methodological and conceptual issues with ON. This would serve both as a summary and a way to highlight gaps in earlier research. Methods: This systematic review took reference from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines, and using combinations of the search terms ("orthorexia" OR "orthorexia nervosa" OR "ON") AND ("review" OR "systematic review" OR "meta-analysis"), a literature search was performed on EMBASE, Medline and PsycINFO databases from inception up to October 31, 2023. Articles were included if (1) they were written or translated into English and (2) contained information pertaining to the diagnostic stability or validity of ON, or instruments used to measure ON symptoms and behaviors. Only review articles with a systematic literature search approach were included. Results: A total of 22 reviews were qualitatively reviewed. Several studies have reported variable prevalence of ON and highlighted the lack of thoroughly evaluated measures of ON with clear psychometric properties, with no reliable estimates. ORTO-15 and its variations such as ORTO-11, ORTO-12 are popularly used, although their use is discouraged. Existing instruments lack specificity for pathology and several disagreements on the conceptualization and hence diagnostic criteria of ON exist. Discussion: Previous reviews have consistently highlighted the highly variable (and contradictory) prevalence rates with different instruments to measure ON, lack of stable factor structure and psychometrics across ON measures, paucity of data on ON in clinical samples, and a need for a modern re-conceptualization of ON. The diagnosis of ON is challenging as it likely spans a spectrum from "normal" to "abnormal," and "functional" to "dysfunctional." "Non-pathological" orthorexia is not related to psychopathological constructs in the same way that ON is. Plain Language Summary: Orthorexia nervosa, or "ON" for short, is when someone becomes too focused on eating only foods they see as "pure" or "clean." While eating healthily is a good thing, orthorexia nervosa takes it to the extreme and can harm a person's overall well-being. Although more experts are starting to notice and talk about this issue, it is still not officially labelled as a mental health problem. To better understand ON, we systematically reviewed past reviews on the topic to see where they agreed and where they had different views. Our research showed that there is no clear agreement on how common ON is. The tools we currently use to identify if someone has ON are not always trustworthy. There is also some confusion about what exactly ON is and how it is distinct as compared to other similar conditions. This is concerning because we need to accurately identify and help those struggling with ON. This overview of reviews highlights the areas where we need to dig deeper and do more research to fully understand and address ON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to investigate the potential relationships between the use of different section of food label, and healthy and pathological aspects of orthorexia among adults. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey (n = 1326). Inclusion criteria were being 19–64 years and graduated from at least primary school. Pregnant and lactating women were excluded. Data were collected using questionnaire including socio-demographic variables, lifestyle factors, body weight and height, frequency of reading different sections of food label (“always”, “when buying a food for the first time”, “when comparing similar packaged foods”, “rarely”, “never”), food label literacy, and Teruel Orthorexia Scale. Participants were categorized as nutrition facts panel-users, ingredients list-users or claim-users if they read at least one item from the relevant parts. Results The proportions of nutrition facts, ingredients list, and claims sections users were 72.3%, 76.3%, and 79.9%, respectively. Both healthy and pathological aspects of orthorexia were associated with reading food labels. The healthy orthorexia had the strongest association with using the ingredients list (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.41–2.20), whereas the orthorexia nervosa showed the highest association with using nutrition facts panel (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20–1.81). While women, physically active participants and those with higher food label literacy were more likely to use all sections of food labels; older age, having children, and chronic disease increased the likelihood of using claims and ingredients list (p

Abstract Background The ORTO scale was developed in 2004 as a self-report questionnaire to assess symptoms of orthorexia nervosa (ON). ON is an unhealthy preoccupation with eating healthy food. The scale aims to measure obsessive attitudes and behaviors related to the selection, purchase, preparation, and consumption of pure, healthy food. Since its development, the ORTO-15 has been adapted into several shorter versions. The objective was to conduct a reliability generalization meta-analysis of the ORTO scale and its variant versions in all populations and languages. Methods A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies reporting the internal consistency of ORTO. Random-effect models were used to evaluate summary statistics of reliability coefficients, weighting the coefficients by the inverse variance using the restricted maximum likelihood method. The heterogeneity among the reliability coefficients was evaluated and assessed using numerous statistical metrics. The tau (τ), tau2 (τ2), I2, H2, R2, df, and the Q-statistic are among those obtained. Meta-regression analyses were used to examine moderators such as age and sex. Results Twenty-one studies (k = 21) involving 11,167 participants (n = 11,167) were analyzed. The overall effect estimate on internal consistency was 0.59 (95% CI 0.49–0.68), with a minimum reliability coefficient of 0.23 and a maximum reliability coefficient of 0.83. The heterogeneity statistics were found to have an I2 of 99.31%, which suggested high heterogeneity owing to a decrease in the confidence interval (95% CI) and an increase in variability. Sensitivity analysis revealed that a few studies strongly influenced the overall estimate. Egger’s test suggested possible publication bias. Neither age nor sex significantly moderated reliability via meta-regression. Conclusions The ORTO scale has a relatively low pooled reliability coefficient. Alternative ON assessment tools with enhanced psychometric properties are needed. Clinicians should not base diagnoses or treatment decisions on ORTO alone. Comprehensive psychiatric assessment is essential for accurate ON evaluation.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the potential relationships between the use of different section of food label, and healthy and pathological aspects of orthorexia among adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using an online survey (n = 1326). Inclusion criteria were being 19–64 years and graduated from at least primary school. Pregnant and lactating women were excluded. Data were collected using questionnaire including socio-demographic variables, lifestyle factors, body weight and height, frequency of reading different sections of food label ("always", "when buying a food for the first time", "when comparing similar packaged foods", "rarely", "never"), food label literacy, and Teruel Orthorexia Scale. Participants were categorized as nutrition facts panel-users, ingredients list-users or claim-users if they read at least one item from the relevant parts. Results: The proportions of nutrition facts, ingredients list, and claims sections users were 72.3%, 76.3%, and 79.9%, respectively. Both healthy and pathological aspects of orthorexia were associated with reading food labels. The healthy orthorexia had the strongest association with using the ingredients list (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.41–2.20), whereas the orthorexia nervosa showed the highest association with using nutrition facts panel (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.20–1.81). While women, physically active participants and those with higher food label literacy were more likely to use all sections of food labels; older age, having children, and chronic disease increased the likelihood of using claims and ingredients list (p < 0.05). Besides, following a diet was associated with higher use of nutrition facts and ingredients list (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The study demonstrates that food label users have higher orthorexia tendencies compared to non-users. Of the food label sections, healthy orthorexia showed the strongest association with use of the list of ingredients, while pathological orthorexia showed the strongest association with use of the nutrition facts panel. Level of evidence: Level V, cross-sectional study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The literature regarding orthorexia nervosa (ON) has well documented the association with other mental disorders, such as obsessive–compulsive and eating disorders. However, the research has not taken into account stress-related behavior and the conduction of physical activity (PA), both structured and unstructured. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 165 students of the University of Parma (92 females and 74 males) aged between 18 and 49 years old (mean = 24.62 ± 4.81) were consecutively recruited. The ORTO-15 questionnaire was used to divide the total sample into a group without orthorexia (score > 40) and a group with orthorexia (score < 40). All subjects completed the P Stress Questionnaire, and specific items were extrapolated from the Eating Habits Structured Interview (EHSI) to investigate lifestyle, including structured and unstructured PA. (3) Results: Subjects with orthorexia represented 83% of the total sample and reported higher levels of stress-related risk behaviors (i.e., sense of responsibility (t = −1.99, p = 0.02), precision (t = −1.99, p = 0.03), stress disorders (t = −1.38, p = 0.05), reduced spare time (t = −1.97, p = 0.03), and hyperactivity (t = −1.68, p = 0.04)) and a higher frequency of PA (i.e., hours spent training in structured PA, daily (t = −1.68, p = 0.05), weekly (t = −1.91, p = 0.03), and monthly (t = −1.91, p = 0.03), the tendency to carry out physical exercise even if tired (t = −1.97, p = 0.02), and to adhere to unstructured PA (i.e., moving on foot or by bike rather than using transport (t = 1.27, p = 0.04)). (4) Conclusions: The results confirmed the presence of hyperactivity at a motor and behavioral level in people with orthorexia. Further studies are necessary to highlight the causality between ON, stress, and physical activity but it may be possible to hypothesize that "obsessive" physical exercise may not generate the benefits generally known by the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a proposed clinical condition characterised by an excessive fixation on consuming healthy and pure foods, leading to strict dietary restrictions and potentially negative consequences for both mental and physical health. Despite its increasing prevalence, ON has yet to be classified as a distinct disorder within diagnostic classification systems. To promote its recognition as a formal disorder, it is pivotal to establish a significant association between ON symptoms and psychosocial impairment. To this end, we adopted a multidimensional perspective and explored a broad range of psychosocial domains to address this knowledge gap. A total of 261 participants aged 18–73 years (Mage = 30.03 years, 85% women) were enrolled and completed self-report questionnaires including the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale and the Barkley Functional Impairment Scale. Structural equation modelling revealed significant and positive associations between ON symptoms and impairment in several psychosocial domains. These domains included home life with immediate family, household chores, social relationships with acquaintances and friends, sexual activities, financial management, self-care in everyday life, and educational activities. Overall, the presence of ON symptoms appears to have a significant impact on individuals' daily functioning across various psychosocial domains. These findings emphasize the importance of early identification and intervention for individuals who exhibit symptoms of ON, as well as the need for further research to inform the development of effective treatments and support for this emerging clinical condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The ORTO scale was developed in 2004 as a self-report questionnaire to assess symptoms of orthorexia nervosa (ON). ON is an unhealthy preoccupation with eating healthy food. The scale aims to measure obsessive attitudes and behaviors related to the selection, purchase, preparation, and consumption of pure, healthy food. Since its development, the ORTO-15 has been adapted into several shorter versions. The objective was to conduct a reliability generalization meta-analysis of the ORTO scale and its variant versions in all populations and languages. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted to identify studies reporting the internal consistency of ORTO. Random-effect models were used to evaluate summary statistics of reliability coefficients, weighting the coefficients by the inverse variance using the restricted maximum likelihood method. The heterogeneity among the reliability coefficients was evaluated and assessed using numerous statistical metrics. The tau (τ), tau2 (τ2), I2, H2, R2, df, and the Q-statistic are among those obtained. Meta-regression analyses were used to examine moderators such as age and sex. Results: Twenty-one studies (k = 21) involving 11,167 participants (n = 11,167) were analyzed. The overall effect estimate on internal consistency was 0.59 (95% CI 0.49–0.68), with a minimum reliability coefficient of 0.23 and a maximum reliability coefficient of 0.83. The heterogeneity statistics were found to have an I2 of 99.31%, which suggested high heterogeneity owing to a decrease in the confidence interval (95% CI) and an increase in variability. Sensitivity analysis revealed that a few studies strongly influenced the overall estimate. Egger's test suggested possible publication bias. Neither age nor sex significantly moderated reliability via meta-regression. Conclusions: The ORTO scale has a relatively low pooled reliability coefficient. Alternative ON assessment tools with enhanced psychometric properties are needed. Clinicians should not base diagnoses or treatment decisions on ORTO alone. Comprehensive psychiatric assessment is essential for accurate ON evaluation. Plain English summary: This review looked at the reliability of the ORTO scale and its shortened versions for assessing orthorexia nervosa (an unhealthy obsession with eating healthy foods). The researchers analyzed data from 21 previous studies involving over 11,000 participants. Results showed that the ORTO scale had relatively low reliability in consistently measuring orthorexia symptoms across studies. The summary reliability score was 0.59 on a 0 to 1 scale, with individual study scores ranging from 0.23 to 0.83. There was a significant inconsistency across the different study results. We concluded that the ORTO scale has low reliability overall for diagnosing orthorexia nervosa. New assessment tools with better measurement properties are needed. Clinicians should not rely solely on the ORTO scale, but should conduct a comprehensive psychological evaluation to properly assess for orthorexia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proper nutrition has a positive impact on health. Paradoxically, excessive preoccupation with healthy eating may lead to the emergence of abnormal eating behaviours and increase the risk of developing disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of orthorexia (ON) and the prevalence of emotional eating (EE) in military flying personnel of the Polish Air Force in relation to BMI and sociodemographic factors. Methods: This study included 760 soldiers (including 60 females) taking part in the National Health Programme 2021–2025. The ORTO-15 questionnaire and EEQ were used to assess the risk of ON and EE. Results: The risk of ON occurred in 28.9% of military flying personnel and was significantly more frequent in soldiers with a normal weight (46.4%), under 40 years of age (42.7%), and with higher education (42.7%). The prevalence of EE was found in approximately 12.3% of the respondents and was significantly more common in soldiers with diagnosed obesity (17.5%), women (21.7%), and soldiers with higher education (13.6). Other sociodemographic variables did not differentiate the results of the ORTO-15 questionnaire and EEQ. Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that the problem of eating disorders also occurs in military populations. The necessity of continuing research in this area is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between mindful eating and orthorexia nervosa (ON) among adults and contribute to establishing ON diagnostic criteria. Subject and methods: In the current cross-sectional study, 105 women and 92 men (aged 19–64 years) were enrolled whose scores on the Orthorexia Nervosa Questionnaire-15 (ORTO-15), the Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), and SCOFF scales indicated a prevalence of ON and eating disorder risk. In addition, the Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ) was applied to participants to determine mindful eating. Descriptive and inferential statistics were computed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: In participants with ON, the scores of emotional eating and conscious eating scores, which are MEQ sub-factors, and the total score of MEQ are higher than those who do not have ON (p < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between MEQ and ORTO-15 scores (r = –0.269; p < 0.01). In addition, the one-point increase in the ORTO-15 scores of the participants led to 0.094 decrease in MEQ scores (B = –0.094; SE = 0.021; p < 0.001) and 0.175 decrease in EAT-26 scores (B = –0.175; SE = 0.033; p < 0.001). Conclusions: The data obtained from our study show that mindful eating of individuals with ON is higher than those who do not have ON, and this is important in determining the diagnostic criteria of ON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionOrthorexia lacks official recognition as an eating disorder; however, orthorexic behaviors, associated with a stringent selection of food, may serve as a predisposing factor to the development of eating disorders. It is characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating and strict dietary standards, often prevalent in high-risk groups such as athletes and individuals concerned with their physical appearance. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of orthorexia among students exhibiting varying lifestyles (including dietary habits and levels of physical activity, along with their respective motivational factors). The research involved 600 participants equally distributed between health-related (HRF) and non-health-related (NRF) academic categories, with the majority of participants in the HRF category being women.MethodsAssessments included BMI calculations, dietary evaluation based on Polish standards, categorization of physical activity levels, the EMI-2 questionnaire on motivation to exercise, the DOS test for orthorexia propensity, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire for eating behavior.Results and discussionResults showed that primary motivators for physical activity included disease prevention, health maintenance, strength/endurance, and physical appearance. Orthorexia tendencies were prevalent, particularly in the HRF group, linked to lower BMI, better diet quality, higher physical activity levels, and a higher prevalence of restrictive eating. In conclusion, students in health-related fields, driven by a strong health consciousness, are at risk of orthorexia. This emphasizes the need for balanced health education and support.ConclusionOrthorexic tendencies are associated with distorted perceptions of food portions and calories, underscoring the importance of awareness and intervention.

Aim: This study aimed to determine medical students' tendency to orthorexia nervosa (ON) and investigate the role of obsessive-compulsive symptoms on these attitudes.Materials and methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 822 medical students. The data were collected via an online survey. A sociodemographic information form, the ORTO-11 scale, and the Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Symptom Inventory (MOCI) were used as data collection forms.Results: The mean age of the students was 20.5±2.1 (range 18-32) years, and 50.7% (n=417) were female. Orthorexia tendency was detected as 19% (n=156). A significant negative relationship was found between the students' ORTO-11 and MOCI scores (p

The present study aims to explore the forms of psychological parental control that are interconnected with dysfunctional emotional states (i.e., anxiety and depression), and how these internalizing problems may manifest as distorted behaviors (i.e., vigorexic and orthorexic behaviors) during adolescence. Participants included 403 Italian adolescent athletes (231 boys and 172 girls) aged 14 to 18 years. The participants completed self-report questionnaires designed to assess psychological parental control oriented towards dependence and achievement, anxiety and depression, and vigorexia and orthorexia. The results highlight how both forms of psychological parental control predict anxiety and depression. Furthermore, anxiety was found to be linked to both vigorexic and orthorexic behaviors, while depression is connected only to vigorexia. This study delves into the intricacies of parental influence on adolescents, revealing that both dependency-oriented and success-oriented psychological parental control have notable implications for the mental well-being of adolescents. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of these factors, demonstrating that anxiety can set off a chain reaction, leading to engagement in vigorexic and orthorexic behaviors. On the other hand, depression appears to be uniquely associated with vigorexia. These insights contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics between parental control and adolescent mental health. The implications of this research extend to both theoretical frameworks and practical interventions, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to supporting adolescents in navigating these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a constantly evolving digital age, concern for health has taken a new form, generating new psychopathologies, including “orthorexia” and “cyberchondria”. Orthorexia involves an obsession with healthy eating, leading to restrictive dieting and social isolation. In contrast, cyberchondria is characterized by the obsessive search for medical information online and by anxiety about one’s own health. Although not officially recognized as disorders in current psychiatric diagnostic guidelines, these phenomena attract the attention of researchers and mental health professionals. Orthorexia can coexist with eating disorders and may require integrated assessment and treatment. Excessive health concern and social pressure are risk factors. On the other hand, cyberchondria can be associated with severe anxiety, requiring assessment and tailored treatment. The evolution of these disorders can go from seemingly harmless preoccupations to obsessions that affect the everyday life. The treatment, customized for each patient, involves psychological therapy, nutritional counseling, and sometimes drug interventions for anxiety or co-occurring symptoms. Appropriate therapeutic approaches and the support of a multidisciplinary team can contribute to the recovery and long-term health of those affected by orthorexia and cyberchondria [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Cuadernos de Psicología del Deporte is the property of Cuadernos de Psicologia del Deporte and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Orthorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a rigid preoccupation with a perceived healthy diet. However, little is known about healthy orthorexia compared to orthorexia nervosa. The current study examined the relationship between healthy orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa and personality traits in a Turkish sample. Methods: Three hundred fifty participants from a community sample aged 18-65 were included in the study. Participants completed a sociodemographic data collection form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS), and the 10-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). Results: The frequency of healthy orthorexia was 32.3% and orthorexia nervosa was 10.2%. There were no differences between genders regarding healthy orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa scores. Healthy orthorexia symptoms were negatively correlated with depression and anxiety (r = -0.11 and r = -0.20, respectively, P <.05), while they were positively correlated with agreeableness (r = 0.17), conscientiousness (r = 0.14), and extraversion (r = 0.15). Orthorexia nervosa symptoms were positively associated with anxiety (r = 0.12), depression (r = 0.10), and healthy orthorexia (r = 0.55). Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that depression was negatively associated with healthy orthorexia symptoms, explaining 4% of the variance. The agreeableness trait was positively associated with healthy orthorexia symptoms, explaining 4% of the variance. However, no specific personality trait was associated with orthorexia nervosa symptoms. Conclusion: To our knowledge, the present study is the first to examine the relationships between personality traits, healthy orthorexia, and orthorexia nervosa symptoms in a Turkish sample. Sociocultural factors may be important for understanding orthorexia nervosa and healthy eating behaviors in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food neophobia, known as an avoidance of the consumption of unknown foods, can negatively impact nutritional quality. In orthorexia nervosa, there is an excessive mental effort to consume healthy food. Individuals exhibiting symptoms of food neophobia and orthorexia nervosa may experience food restrictions. This study aimed to assess food neophobia levels and orthorexia nervosa tendencies among university students, investigate the potential association between the two constructs, and explore the effect of the demographic characteristics of the participants on the variables. This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study sample consisted of 609 students enrolled at Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University. The data were collected through Google Forms using a sociodemographic information form, the Food Neophobia Scale, and the ORTO-11 scale. Ethics committee approval and institutional permission were obtained for the study. Of the students participating in the survey, 71.9% were female, 14.6% were classified as neophobic, and 47.1% had orthorexia nervosa symptoms. The mean scores from the Food Neophobia Scale (39.41 ± 9.23) and the ORTO-11 scale (27.43 ± 5.35) were in the normal range. Food neophobia was significantly higher among those who did not consume alcohol. Orthorexia nervosa symptoms were significantly more common among married people. In the correlation analysis, no significant relationship was found between age, food neophobia, and orthorexia nervosa. It can be said that food neophobia in this study is similar to in other studies conducted on university students. In addition, about half of the participants had symptoms of orthorexia nervosa. This result is higher compared to other studies conducted with university students. The findings of this study indicate that the participants care about the healthfulness of food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'intérêt porté à la qualité de l'alimentation est de plus en plus répandu dans la société, il peut cependant devenir pathologique avec l'installation d'obsessions alimentaires. Le néologisme orthorexie nerveuse permet de décrire ce rapport obsessionnel à l'alimentation. Bien que l'orthorexie nerveuse soit associée à une altération du fonctionnement de l'individu qui en est atteint, elle ne renvoie pas, aujourd'hui, à un diagnostic psychiatrique car elle reste mal comprise. Les objectifs principaux de cette revue critique de la littérature sont de (1) présenter l'orthorexie nerveuse de sa conceptualisation initiale à sa compréhension actuelle au regard des avancées scientifiques, (2) distinguer l'orthorexie nerveuse de l'anorexie mentale et (3) mettre en évidence l'émergence de l'intérêt croissant, et parfois pathologique, porté à l'alimentation saine au regard de l'évolution sociétale. Pour répondre à ces objectifs, une analyse de la littérature sur l'orthorexie et sur l'alimentation saine a été réalisée et restituée. In recent years, the interest in the quality of food is getting increasingly widespread in our society. From now on, consumers are paying more attention to food components and are trying to adopt a more environmentally friendly by consuming, for example, products from short circuits. However, this attention to the quality of food can be pathological. The neologism orthorexia nervosa , invented in 1997, describes this obsessive relationship with food. People with orthorexia develop obsessions related to food quality and may develop eating rituals in order to stay "healthy". Orthorexia nervosa is not yet considered a psychiatric disorder due to a lack of consensus on its definition, but it is associated with impaired somatic, social, professional and/or academic functioning. Indeed, although orthorexia nervosa has been the subject of increasing scientific interest, it remains poorly understood because the main tools used to assess it offer a partial measure of the concept. For example, the "ORTHO" self-questionnaire, which is the most widely used in the scientific literature, assesses an interest in healthy eating rather than psychopathological obsessions. The current data and knowledge on orthorexia nervosa are therefore uncertain, making it difficult to understand this concept. In order to better understand the issues at stake in the assessment of orthorexia nervosa, a critical reading of these tools is proposed in this article. Moreover, a new conceptualization of orthorexia emerged a few years ago. It offers a better understanding of this concept with a healthy side (i.e., healthy orthorexia) and a pathological side (i.e., orthorexia nervosa). In an attempt to clarify the knowledge on orthorexia, the main objective of this critical review of the literature is to present orthorexia nervosa according to its initial conceptualization and its current understanding in accordance with scientific advances. The second objective is to distinguish orthorexia nervosa from anorexia nervosa. The third objective is to highlight the emergence of a growing, and sometimes pathological, interest in healthy eating within the context of societal development. To achieve these objectives, a review of the literature on orthorexia and healthy eating was conducted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mindful eating has seen an increase in clinical and non-clinical practices of changing health outcomes. Meanwhile, the restriction of not having validated scales in other languages proposes a barrier to exploring the impact of mindful eating cross-culturally, and specific to the present project, across Greek-speaking populations, limiting the potential of exploring the association with Mediterranean dieting. Methods: In the present research, volunteers (n = 706) completed online the Mindful Eating Behaviour Scale and the Mindful Eating Scale. A forward–backwards translation, leading to face validity, and was assessed for internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha) and followed up by an assessment of the factorial structure of the scales. Divergent and convergent validity was explored using motivations to eat palatable foods, grazing, craving, Dusseldorf orthorexia, Salzburg emotional eating, and the Salzburg stress eating scales. Results: Results indicated that both scales displayed good internal consistency, and the assessment of the factorial structure of the scales was equally good and semi-consistent with the English versions, with parallel analyses and item loadings proposing problems that have been shown in critical review literature. Associations of mindful eating scales to other eating behaviours were replicated to previously established findings with English-speaking populations. Conclusions: Findings that deviated from the expected outcomes are central to the discussion on the measurement of mindful eating, and further direction highlights the way forward for researchers and clinicians. Level V: Descriptive studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The similarities and differences between orthorexia nervosa symptoms (ONs) and the symptoms and correlates of eating disorders listed in the DSM-5 need to be elucidated. ONs were examined in a volunteer community sample in conjunction with compulsive exercise, disordered eating, as well as emotional and behavioral correlates of eating disorders. Methods: Participants were 561 adult volunteers (93 men, 17.09%) aged 19–72 (M = 32.7 ± 11), recruited via social media networks. Participants self-reported on the following measures online: Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale, Compulsive Exercise Test, Retrospective Child Feeding Questionnaire, Experiences in Close Relationships, Difficulties in Emotional Regulation Scale, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire 13. Data were downloaded and analyzed in SPSS26 and Amos26. Results: A theoretical model of the connections between the study variables was tested via SEM and confirmed. The profiles of participants with high, average and low levels of ONs were compared. Participants with the highest levels also scored highest for compulsive exercise, insecure attachment, alexithymia, emotion regulation difficulties, weight and shape concerns, body dissatisfaction, restriction, bingeing, purging and parental feeding practices of concern about child’s weight and restricting and monitoring the child’s intake of calorie-rich foods. Discussion: High levels of ONs are related to disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, as well as to emotional and behavioral correlates of eating disorders. It is unclear to what extent these ONs are distinguishable from symptoms of other eating disorders listed in the DSM-5. Longitudinal studies may help to elucidate distinct trajectories and risk factors for ON. Level of evidence: Level III, case–control analytic study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to indicate the possible consequences of the intensification of dietary, cosmetic and medical interference in the human body. Nowadays, creation or construction of identity takes place largely through modifications of the human body. Thus, the body ceases to be the domain of solely biology, and becomes dependent on culture and fashion. Transforming the body and controlling it through diets and other regimes is seen as pro-social and even morally correct. At the same time, body modifications serve as a medium for the individual to communicate his attitude and his inner self to the world. While some of these methods may be or appear to be helpful, others are associated with a number of serious consequences, such as self-harm, anorexia or orthorexia. The article aims to present the way in which culture shapes and transforms the body, as well as the possible consequences - both positive and negative

Abstract Background Mindful eating has seen an increase in clinical and non-clinical practices of changing health outcomes. Meanwhile, the restriction of not having validated scales in other languages proposes a barrier to exploring the impact of mindful eating cross-culturally, and specific to the present project, across Greek-speaking populations, limiting the potential of exploring the association with Mediterranean dieting. Methods In the present research, volunteers (n = 706) completed online the Mindful Eating Behaviour Scale and the Mindful Eating Scale. A forward–backwards translation, leading to face validity, and was assessed for internal consistency (Cronbach’s Alpha) and followed up by an assessment of the factorial structure of the scales. Divergent and convergent validity was explored using motivations to eat palatable foods, grazing, craving, Dusseldorf orthorexia, Salzburg emotional eating, and the Salzburg stress eating scales. Results Results indicated that both scales displayed good internal consistency, and the assessment of the factorial structure of the scales was equally good and semi-consistent with the English versions, with parallel analyses and item loadings proposing problems that have been shown in critical review literature. Associations of mindful eating scales to other eating behaviours were replicated to previously established findings with English-speaking populations. Conclusions Findings that deviated from the expected outcomes are central to the discussion on the measurement of mindful eating, and further direction highlights the way forward for researchers and clinicians. Level V Descriptive studies.

There is only limited epidemiological information on Orthorexia Nervosa; the aim of the present study is, therefore, to assess the prevalence of ON in a population of young adults and to identify possible specific features and eventual psychopatological dimensions. 1317 participants (732 females and 585 males; mean age 22.36 yrs) completed a battery containing the orthorexia measure (ORTHO-15), statements about demographic characteristics as well as physiological parameters. The mean ORTO-15 score was 31.89; considering the cut-off of 40 in the reference test, our results showed a 11.9% prevalence of ON. Analyzing the characteristics of the orthorexic group, the prevalence in females compared to males appears to be statistically very significant (115 vs 43; 72.8% vs 27.2%); moreover shows higher and statistically significant scores in each of the 15 items of the reference test compared to the non-orthorexic group. Our data confirming that ON might be a relevant and potentially underestimate phenomenon in the community. Further studies are warranted in order to explore the diagnostic boundaries of this syndrome, its course and outcome, and the possible therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets is linked to various motivations, such as health, ethics, ecology, and social and religious influence. India has the highest proportion of vegetarians and vegans. The practise of these diets is linked to moral and health reasons and environmental concerns. Vegetarianism may also be associated with eating disorders such as orthorexia (ON). Aim: The main aim of this study was to determine the psychosocial aspects of vegetarian diets. Understanding these aspects is crucial for identifying potential risks and developing effective interventions. This study investigated the reasons for following vegetarian diets, the duration of dietary adherence, the occurrence of feelings of restriction in selected situations, and the risk of orthorexia and other eating disorders. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted among 186 individuals (82 vegetarians and 104 traditional dieters) between October 2023 and April 2024. The survey was administered via a Computer-Assisted Web Interview (CAWI) using Google Forms, distributed through social media, forums, and private messages. The inclusion criteria for the study group included consent, an age over 18, and a vegetarian diet, excluding those with eating disorders or diseases requiring strict diet therapy. The control group criteria were similar, excluding vegetarians and those requiring special diets. Four unreliable questionnaires were excluded from the analysis. The survey consisted of four sections: metric data, the ORTO-15 questionnaire, the EAT-26 questionnaire, and the TFEQ-13 questionnaire. Results: The main motivations for following vegetarian diets were ethical and environmental (86.9%) and health (32.1%) reasons. Over half of the vegetarians had been following a plant-based diet for over five years. Vegetarians were more likely to feel restricted in restaurants and when grocery shopping. The ORTO-15 results indicate a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians (48.8% vs. 29.4% in the control group; p = 0.00673). The EAT-26 questionnaire showed a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians (23.8% vs. 14.7%; p = 0.11391). The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences between groups (Subscale 1: food restriction, p = 0.77279; Subscale 2: lack of control in overeating, p = 0.91935; Subscale 3: eating under the influence of emotions, p = 0.16612). Conclusions: This study concluded that ethical and environmental considerations and a belief in health benefits mainly drive vegetarians. An analysis of BMI revealed no significant differences between groups. The ORTO-15 results suggest a higher risk of orthorexia among vegetarians. The EAT-26 indicated a higher, but not statistically significant, risk of eating disorders among vegetarians and vegans. The TFEQ-13 showed no significant differences in restrictive eating, lack of control in overeating, and emotional eating. Vegetarians were likelier to encounter dietary difficulties in restaurants and shopping but less likely to feel socially excluded.

Abstract Background Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an emerging clinical condition characterized by a pathological fixation with healthy eating. Recently, the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) has emerged as a promising tool for assessing orthorexic tendencies and behaviours, aiming to overcome the well-established limitations of existing measures for ON. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the ONI. Methods A total of 879 participants (Mage = 33.22 years, SD = 9.19; 56.9% females) completed the ONI along with the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS), measures of disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD), and psychosocial impairment. To establish the factorial validity of the ONI, a competing measurement modeling approach was employed by comparing standard confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) with exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) solutions. Model-based omega coefficients were computed to examine the internal consistency of the scale. Factorial invariance tests across gender were conducted within a multi-group framework. Results A three-factor first-order ESEM solution provided the best and most parsimonious representation of the data: χ2(207) = 558.641, p 0.88). Furthermore, ONI scores were found to be positively correlated with DOS scores, disordered eating, OCD symptoms, and psychosocial impairment, supporting its convergent and criterion validity. Eventually, the ONI was factorially invariant across gender. Conclusions Overall, the present study provides evidence for the satisfactory psychometric properties of the ONI in the Italian context, endorsing its use in both clinical and research settings.

Healthy eating is not a pathological situation, but when it becomes a long-term and excessive preoccupation and causes negativities in daily life, it can cause personality and behavioural disorders. The study is aimed to determine the prevalence of orthorexia among tourism students with and without a nutrition education background and to develop recommendations accordingly. The research population consists of tourism students in associate degree programs (from junior colleges) at various public and private universities and the sample group consists of 581 volunteers. The measurement scale is composed of five constituents, namely, the demographics, nutrition properties, eating under emotional conditions (emotional eating), eating attitudes test and orthorexia test. In the light of the findings it is concluded that the prevalence of orthorexia is higher among tourism students who have nutrition education than those who have not. Eating attitudes test results have shown that tourism students who get nutrition education are at a moderate level compared to those who do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Family Medicine Forum / Forum Medycyny Rodzinnej is the property of VM Medica-VM Group (Via Medica) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

background Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is defined as a fixation on healthy eating behaviours. Research exploring ON and body mass index (BMI) has been inconsistent, with some findings indicating a positive relationship between ON and BMI, while other studies have suggested no relationship. To date, potential associations with emotional and mindful eating have been explored only in a vegan population. The present research adopted an exploratory approach and examined the relationship between orthorexia and BMI, and possible associations with emotional and mindful eating. The potential predictive value of mindful and emotional eating with respect to ON was also explored, while the role of four different types of emotional eating (happiness, sadness, anger, anxiety), utilising an emotional eating scale incorporating positive and negative emotions, was further explored. PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDURE Two hundred and twenty-three participants completed the online survey that was distributed via social media to a British sample. RESULTS The findings suggested a negative correlation between ON and BMI. Participants who presented higher levels of orthorexia were more likely to display higher levels of focused eating, a central aspect of mindful eating, as well as lower levels of emotional eating in response to happiness - two elements that further predicted ON in multiple regression models. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a need to conduct further research to explore the possible role of happiness as a potential protective tool against ON, and further suggest the likely negative role of some components of mindful eating in ON. Future directions are discussed in light of the present findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthorexia nervosa is an emerging and controversial eating disorder characterized by an obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating and an extreme fixation on food purity. Despite growing public interest in orthorexia, its classification as a distinct eating disorder remains a subject of ongoing debate in the mental health community. This paper comprehensively reviews the current literature on orthorexia nervosa, exploring the prevalence rates, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options. The paper offers an overview of orthorexia and its historical context and explores the challenges and considerations in diagnosing orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa. Specifically, the distinction between "orthorexia" and "orthorexia nervosa" is a debated issue in eating disorder research due to a lack of clear diagnostic criteria, making it challenging to accurately differentiate between an obsession with healthy eating and a more severe form with potential distress and impairment. Given the absence of formal diagnostic criteria, developing valid and reliable assessment tools is crucial to accurately identify and treat individuals experiencing these disorders. The paper's final section covers the existing treatment approaches for orthorexia nervosa. Overall, the paper highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of orthorexia nervosa. This review contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding orthorexia and provides valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and stakeholders in the mental health and eating disorders fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent evidence suggests a link between Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and eating disorders, an emerging complex bidirectional association. Indeed, the overlap of symptoms and signs can lead to delayed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of both conditions, but also the fear of food-induced symptoms, commonly observed in patients with IBD, determines dietary restrictions which in predisposed individuals may induce an overt eating disorder. ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) and anorexia nervosa are the eating disorders more frequently reported, while disordered eating and orthorexia nervosa are emerging conditions. Disease worsening due to refusal of therapies in patients with anorexia is also a matter of concern and an increased awareness of the possible association of these conditions by gastroenterologists and dietitians is strongly warranted in order for patients to receive the appropriate counseling.

Abstract As no French validated measurement tool distinguishing healthy orthorexia (HeOr) from orthorexia nervosa (OrNe) currently exists, this study aimed at examining psychometric properties of the French version of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS). A sample of 799 participants (Mean [SD] age: 28.5 [12.1] years-old) completed the French versions of the TOS, the Düsseldorfer Orthorexia Skala, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, and the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory-Revised. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) were used. Although the bidimensional model, with OrNe and HeOr, of the original 17-item version showed an adequate fit, we suggest excluding items 9 and 15. The bidimensional model for the shortened version provided a satisfactory fit (ESEM model: CFI = .963, TLI = .949, RMSEA = .068). The mean loading was .65 for HeOr and .70 for OrNe. The internal consistency of both dimensions was adequate (αHeOr = .83 and αOrNe = .81). Partial correlations showed that eating disorders and obsessive–compulsive symptomatology measures were positively related to OrNe and unrelated or negatively related to HeOr. The scores from the 15-item French version of the TOS in the current sample appears to present an adequate internal consistency, pattern of associations in line with what was theoretically expected, and promising for differentiating both types of orthorexia in a French population. We discuss why both dimensions of orthorexia should be considered in this area of research.

(1) Background: The literature regarding orthorexia nervosa (ON) has well documented the association with other mental disorders, such as obsessive–compulsive and eating disorders. However, the research has not taken into account stress-related behavior and the conduction of physical activity (PA), both structured and unstructured. (2) Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 165 students of the University of Parma (92 females and 74 males) aged between 18 and 49 years old (mean = 24.62 ± 4.81) were consecutively recruited. The ORTO-15 questionnaire was used to divide the total sample into a group without orthorexia (score > 40) and a group with orthorexia (score < 40). All subjects completed the P Stress Questionnaire, and specific items were extrapolated from the Eating Habits Structured Interview (EHSI) to investigate lifestyle, including structured and unstructured PA. (3) Results: Subjects with orthorexia represented 83% of the total sample and reported higher levels of stress-related risk behaviors (i.e., sense of responsibility (t = −1.99, p = 0.02), precision (t = −1.99, p = 0.03), stress disorders (t = −1.38, p = 0.05), reduced spare time (t = −1.97, p = 0.03), and hyperactivity (t = −1.68, p = 0.04)) and a higher frequency of PA (i.e., hours spent training in structured PA, daily (t = −1.68, p = 0.05), weekly (t = −1.91, p = 0.03), and monthly (t = −1.91, p = 0.03), the tendency to carry out physical exercise even if tired (t = −1.97, p = 0.02), and to adhere to unstructured PA (i.e., moving on foot or by bike rather than using transport (t = 1.27, p = 0.04)). (4) Conclusions: The results confirmed the presence of hyperactivity at a motor and behavioral level in people with orthorexia. Further studies are necessary to highlight the causality between ON, stress, and physical activity but it may be possible to hypothesize that “obsessive” physical exercise may not generate the benefits generally known by the literature.

Background: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is an emerging clinical condition characterized by a pathological fixation with healthy eating. Recently, the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) has emerged as a promising tool for assessing orthorexic tendencies and behaviours, aiming to overcome the well-established limitations of existing measures for ON. The present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the ONI. Methods: A total of 879 participants (Mage = 33.22 years, SD = 9.19; 56.9% females) completed the ONI along with the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS), measures of disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD), and psychosocial impairment. To establish the factorial validity of the ONI, a competing measurement modeling approach was employed by comparing standard confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) with exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) solutions. Model-based omega coefficients were computed to examine the internal consistency of the scale. Factorial invariance tests across gender were conducted within a multi-group framework. Results: A three-factor first-order ESEM solution provided the best and most parsimonious representation of the data: χ2(207) = 558.641, p <.001, RMSEA = 0.044 (90% CI 0.040–0.048), CFI = 0.976, TLI = 0.968, SRMR = 0.036. The three latent dimensions, labelled behaviors, emotions, and impairments, showed excellent internal consistency (ω > 0.88). Furthermore, ONI scores were found to be positively correlated with DOS scores, disordered eating, OCD symptoms, and psychosocial impairment, supporting its convergent and criterion validity. Eventually, the ONI was factorially invariant across gender. Conclusions: Overall, the present study provides evidence for the satisfactory psychometric properties of the ONI in the Italian context, endorsing its use in both clinical and research settings. Plain English summary: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a clinical condition characterized by a pathological fixation with healthy eating. The Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) is a recently developed instrument to assess ON behaviours and tendencies. However, the scale has not yet been adapted for the Italian cultural context. To fill this gap, the present investigation aimed to translate the ONI into Italian and examine its psychometric properties on a community sample. The study involved 879 participants (Mage = 33.22 years, SD = 9.19; 56.9% females) who completed a series of self-report questionnaires. Findings revealed that the ONI items reflect three latent dimensions: behaviours and preoccupation with healthy eating; physical and psychosocial impairments; and emotional distress. Importantly, the present study accrued substantial evidence for the internal consistency and criterion validity of the scale, the latter supported by significant correlations with measures of disordered eating, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and psychosocial impairment. Overall, these findings endorse the use of the Italian version of the ONI for clinical and research practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Modern Science is the property of Alcide De Gasperi University of Euroregional Economy and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Plain English summary Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) describes a pathological obsession with proper and high quality nutrition that is characterized by a restrictive diet, ritualized patterns of eating, and rigid avoidance of foods believed to be unhealthy or impure. This obsession is found among sports athletes in some studies, and there is an assumed link between ON and exercise in general. In this study, the term exercise is defined as any activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the overall prevalence of ON in the exercising population. Searching in scientific databases resulted in 613 articles, of which 24 met the rigorous inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of ON in the general exercising population was 55.3%. The prevalence was thought to be predictable by sex, type of sport, and sample size, but no significant associations were found. This may be due to poor study quality and a lack of demographic information on the participants in some of the included studies. Other predictors worth investigating might be age, student status, status as vegetarian/vegan, psychiatric comorbidity, and intensity/frequency of exercise. This knowledge may bear implications for the prevention and right treatment for people at risk of developing ON.

The term orthorexia nervosa (ON), presented in 1997 in Yoga Journal by Dr. Steven Bratman, sheds new light on the view on healthy eating habits. He showed that persistent thinking about nutrition does not necessarily have to be associated with anorexia or bulimia, and may turn into something so far unknown - obsessive control over the healthiest eating style, resulting in numerous self-imposed restrictions and in the long run, without appropriate therapy, leading to the deterioration of the current state of health. Orthorexia can have many consequences not only on mental health, but also on physical health. For this reason, the development of standard diagnostic and classification criteria for orthorexia nervosa is a priority. The problem of eating disorders should be the subject of epidemiological research, which will take into account demographic, cultural and socio-economic conditions appropriate for a given population, and will also take into account the pressure of factors related to the food market.

Plain English summary The profile of adolescents with orthorexic eating behaviors remains to be explored. Lebanese adolescents in this study were categorized into three groups: “Low orthorexia”, “Moderate in-between orthorexia” and “High in-between orthorexia”. Significant differences between clusters regarding their levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem was observed, yet they were found to be negligible due to poor effect sizes. Findings from this study suggest that ON and HO can indeed co-occur among adolescents and that this co-occurrence can be experienced at different severity levels.

Background Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is defined as a fixation on healthy eating behaviours. Research exploring ON and body mass index (BMI) has been inconsistent, with some findings indicating a positive relationship between ON and BMI, while other studies have suggested no relationship. To date, potential associations with emotional and mindful eating have been explored only in a vegan population. The present research adopted an exploratory approach and examined the relationship between or-thorexia and BMI, and possible associations with emotional and mindful eating. The potential predictive value of mindful and emotional eating with respect to ON was also explored, while the role of four different types of emotional eating (happi-ness, sadness, anger, anxiety), utilising an emotional eating scale incorporating positive and negative emotions, was further explored. Participants and procedure Two hundred and twenty-three participants completed the online survey that was distributed via social media to a British sample. Results The findings suggested a negative correlation between ON and BMI. Participants who presented higher levels of orthorexia were more likely to display higher levels of focused eating, a central aspect of mindful eating, as well as lower levels of emo-tional eating in response to happiness – two elements that further predicted ON in multiple regression models. Conclusions The results suggest a need to conduct further research to explore the possible role of happiness as a potential protective tool against ON, and further suggest the likely negative role of some components of mindful eating in ON. Future directions are discussed in light of the present findings.

The meaning of matter is determined by our interpretations. Even food has its own frequencies, which can be aligned with the specific notes of a musical scale. When presented with a dish we might ask not only "how does it taste?" but also "how does it sound?." Gastrofonia is defined not as the musical accompaniment to a cooking demonstration, but the actual sound of it: music is made by food. Built upon an experiment initiated by John Cage to try to make music with objects, gastrofonia examines sound as a possible connection among the visual and material arts. Combining music with taste, musician Roy Paci identified a biosonic perception of food. This chapter aims to analyze the case of gastrofonia in light of the increased scientific and artistic interest in food characterizing our contemporary society, that is, an orthorexic society where food has become a specific form of language, a communicative vehicle through which we express our identity, interests, social-ethical choices, and new concepts of art. From a sociosemiotic perspective, the gastrofonic dish is an example of a textual polyphonic discourse combining different languages, related to the five senses in a performance that becomes a form of shared communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As no French validated measurement tool distinguishing healthy orthorexia (HeOr) from orthorexia nervosa (OrNe) currently exists, this study aimed at examining psychometric properties of the French version of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS). A sample of 799 participants (Mean [SD] age: 28.5 [12.1] years-old) completed the French versions of the TOS, the Düsseldorfer Orthorexia Skala, the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire, and the Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory-Revised. Confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) were used. Although the bidimensional model, with OrNe and HeOr, of the original 17-item version showed an adequate fit, we suggest excluding items 9 and 15. The bidimensional model for the shortened version provided a satisfactory fit (ESEM model: CFI =.963, TLI =.949, RMSEA =.068). The mean loading was.65 for HeOr and.70 for OrNe. The internal consistency of both dimensions was adequate (αHeOr =.83 and αOrNe =.81). Partial correlations showed that eating disorders and obsessive–compulsive symptomatology measures were positively related to OrNe and unrelated or negatively related to HeOr. The scores from the 15-item French version of the TOS in the current sample appears to present an adequate internal consistency, pattern of associations in line with what was theoretically expected, and promising for differentiating both types of orthorexia in a French population. We discuss why both dimensions of orthorexia should be considered in this area of research. Plain English summary: Orthorexia ('right appetite', from the Greek) covers two dimensions: (1) orthorexia nervosa (OrNe), a strong preoccupation with healthy diet with negative emotional, cognitive, and/or social consequences while trying to approach this goal and when the eating behavior deviates from it, and (2) healthy orthorexia (HeOr), which can be defined as a healthy interest in diet, (self-assessed) healthy behavior with regard to diet and eating healthily as part of one's identity. OrNe is not yet indexed into mental disorder classifications. Some prominent measurement tools in the area of orthorexia present important limitations: it is unclear if they validly assess OrNe and they do not tap HeOr by design. To overcome these limitations, a promising self-reported instrument was developed: the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS), a bidimensional questionnaire whose structure has been replicated in different samples. Our research based on 799 participants aimed to adapt this instrument in a French speaking population. The results revealed that the French version of the TOS is an empirically supported tool allowing to differentiate both forms of orthorexia (healthy and nervosa). It also suggests that OrNe is associated with psychopathological symptoms while opposite patterns were found with HeOr. We discuss the importance of measuring both orthorexia dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Proper nutrition has a positive impact on health. Paradoxically, excessive preoccupation with healthy eating may lead to the emergence of abnormal eating behaviours and increase the risk of developing disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of orthorexia (ON) and the prevalence of emotional eating (EE) in military flying personnel of the Polish Air Force in relation to BMI and sociodemographic factors. Methods: This study included 760 soldiers (including 60 females) taking part in the National Health Programme 2021–2025. The ORTO-15 questionnaire and EEQ were used to assess the risk of ON and EE. Results: The risk of ON occurred in 28.9% of military flying personnel and was significantly more frequent in soldiers with a normal weight (46.4%), under 40 years of age (42.7%), and with higher education (42.7%). The prevalence of EE was found in approximately 12.3% of the respondents and was significantly more common in soldiers with diagnosed obesity (17.5%), women (21.7%), and soldiers with higher education (13.6). Other sociodemographic variables did not differentiate the results of the ORTO-15 questionnaire and EEQ. Conclusions: The obtained results indicate that the problem of eating disorders also occurs in military populations. The necessity of continuing research in this area is discussed.

The present study aims to explore the forms of psychological parental control that are interconnected with dysfunctional emotional states (i.e., anxiety and depression), and how these internalizing problems may manifest as distorted behaviors (i.e., vigorexic and orthorexic behaviors) during adolescence. Participants included 403 Italian adolescent athletes (231 boys and 172 girls) aged 14 to 18 years. The participants completed self-report questionnaires designed to assess psychological parental control oriented towards dependence and achievement, anxiety and depression, and vigorexia and orthorexia. The results highlight how both forms of psychological parental control predict anxiety and depression. Furthermore, anxiety was found to be linked to both vigorexic and orthorexic behaviors, while depression is connected only to vigorexia. This study delves into the intricacies of parental influence on adolescents, revealing that both dependency-oriented and success-oriented psychological parental control have notable implications for the mental well-being of adolescents. The findings underscore the interconnectedness of these factors, demonstrating that anxiety can set off a chain reaction, leading to engagement in vigorexic and orthorexic behaviors. On the other hand, depression appears to be uniquely associated with vigorexia. These insights contribute to our understanding of the complex dynamics between parental control and adolescent mental health. The implications of this research extend to both theoretical frameworks and practical interventions, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to supporting adolescents in navigating these challenges.

Aim: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) describes a pathological obsession with proper and high-quality nutrition that is necessary to research further in order to elucidate its prevalence and correlates which may bear implications for prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to review studies that report the prevalence of ON in people who exercise, calculate an overall prevalence through a random-effects meta-analysis approach and investigate the association of ON prevalence using a random-effects meta-regression. In addition, a sub-group-analysis based on ON-instruments and a sensitivity analysis excluding students samples, were conducted. Method: Systematic searches were conducted in the following online databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Google Scholar and OpenNet. The following search terms were used: Orthore* AND (prevalenc* OR incidenc* OR frequen* OR cut-off OR epidem*). A total of 613 unique hits were reviewed by two blinded authors, and 24 studies were coded and assessed for risk of bias (Holy et.al). The meta-regression included three independent variables (sex, type of sport, and sample size). Results: The overall prevalence of ON in the exercising population was 55.3% (95% CI 43.2–66.8). Cochran's Q was 11,436.38 (df = 23, p < 0.0000), and the I2 was 98.4%, indicating high heterogeneity across studies. The sensitivity showed an overall prevalence of 51.3% (95% CI 51.3–70.0). There was a significant difference in prevalence estimates based on the instruments used (Qbet = 33.6, df = 2, p < 0.01). Discussion: The overall prevalence of ON in exercising populations was very high. The between-study disparity was large and was partly explained by the ON-instrument administered. One fourth of the studies had a moderate risk of bias. The majority of the studies did not specify relevant demographic information about the sample, and information about the type of sport was frequently missing. Plain English summary: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) describes a pathological obsession with proper and high quality nutrition that is characterized by a restrictive diet, ritualized patterns of eating, and rigid avoidance of foods believed to be unhealthy or impure. This obsession is found among sports athletes in some studies, and there is an assumed link between ON and exercise in general. In this study, the term exercise is defined as any activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we examined the overall prevalence of ON in the exercising population. Searching in scientific databases resulted in 613 articles, of which 24 met the rigorous inclusion criteria. The overall prevalence of ON in the general exercising population was 55.3%. The prevalence was thought to be predictable by sex, type of sport, and sample size, but no significant associations were found. This may be due to poor study quality and a lack of demographic information on the participants in some of the included studies. Other predictors worth investigating might be age, student status, status as vegetarian/vegan, psychiatric comorbidity, and intensity/frequency of exercise. This knowledge may bear implications for the prevention and right treatment for people at risk of developing ON. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]