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Styk W, Gortat M, Samardakiewicz-Kirol E, Zmorzynski S, Samardakiewicz M. Intra- and Interpersonal Dimensions of Orthorexia: Preliminary Development and Validation of an Intra- and Interpersonal Effects Scale for Orthorexia. Nutrients 2024; 16:1010. [PMID: 38613043 PMCID: PMC11013874 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a disorder characterized by dietary restrictions and an obsessive focus on "healthy" eating. The present study analyzes two aspects of ON. One related to the inner experiences of the individual (intrapersonal). The other concerns the impact of ON on interpersonal relationships (interpersonal). The developed scale was named the Intra- and Interpersonal Effects Scale of Orthorexia (IIESO). The analysis showed an average correlation between the INTER and INTRA factors (r = 0.46). Both the INTER and INTRA scales correlated strongly with both subscales of the TOS but weakly with the ORTO-R score. Females obtained higher scores on the INTER scale (p < 0.01), while no differences were shown for the INTRA subscale or the overall scale score (p < 0.01). Subjects using supplements had higher mean scores on the INTER and INTRA subscales and for the total score. Among the analyzed results, the greatest strength effect was shown for the total score on the IIESO scale (INTER+INTRA) and the TOS scale. The questionnaires used to date have not distinguished between behaviors from interpersonal and intrapersonal perspectives. Research on these dimensions could expand our knowledge of the disorder and refine diagnostic criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Styk
- Academic Laboratory of Psychological Tests, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Mateusz Gortat
- Institute of Education and Practical Improvement, Association of Young Scientists in Poland, 20-560 Lublin, Poland
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Barthels F, Fischer M, Keskini R, Schöl AM, Pietrowsky R. The various facets of orthorexic eating behavior: five case reports of individuals with supposed orthorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:31. [PMID: 38383470 PMCID: PMC10882829 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00988-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthorexia nervosa, defined as a fixation on eating healthy according to subjective criteria, is recently being discussed as another variant of disordered eating behavior. Further characteristics are rigid adherence to nutritional rules, anxieties and avoidance behavior in the context of eating as well as a focus on health, not on body shape or weight loss, which is supposed to differentiate orthorexic from other disordered eating behavior. Although diagnostic criteria have been suggested, they have rarely been used in case reports published to date. Hence, the aim of this study was to present five individuals with supposed orthorexia nervosa, using preliminary diagnostic criteria to assess their eating behavior. CASE PRESENTATION The five cases (three females, two males) reveal the great variety of disordered eating behavior. Fear of unhealthy overweight (case A), supposed orthorexic eating behavior as a coping strategy for anorexia nervosa (case B), the exclusive consumption of animal products with a total exclusion of fruits and vegetables (case C), the fixation on exercise and athletic goals (case D) as well as a focus on a vegan diet and unprocessed foods (case E) are facets of orthorexia nervosa with varying degrees of impairment. CONCLUSIONS It is concluded that orthorexia nervosa manifests itself in very different ways and that more research is needed in order to determine whether it could be a useful additional category of disordered eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Barthels
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Maren Fischer
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Raphaela Keskini
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Amelie Marie Schöl
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reinhard Pietrowsky
- Institute of Experimental Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Rossi AA, Mannarini S, Donini LM, Castelnuovo G, Simpson S, Pietrabissa G. Dieting, obsessive-compulsive thoughts, and orthorexia nervosa: Assessing the mediating role of worries about food through a structural equation model approach. Appetite 2024; 193:107164. [PMID: 38103790 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is a condition characterized by an obsessive focus on healthy eating, inflexible dietary rules, and persistent preoccupations with food. Despite it has been recently the subject of increasingly relevant studies, little is known about the mechanisms that might foster ON symptoms. OBJECTIVE This study used a structural equation modeling approach to test the mediating effect of thoughts, worries, and preoccupations about food on the relationship that eating disorders (EDs) attitudes (e.g., dieting) and obsessive-compulsive thoughts and symptoms have with ON in a large community sample. It was hypothesized that the effect of dieting and obsessive-compulsive thoughts and symptoms on ON would be partially mediated by the presence of thoughts, worries, and preoccupations about food. METHODS Data from a cross-sectional sample of 1328 participants (females = 976) recruited from the general population were asked to fill in an online survey comprising the Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26), the Obsessive-compulsive subscale of the Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90R-OC) and the Orthorexia Scale-15 (ORTO-15). RESULTS Structural equation models indicated that both obsessive-compulsive thoughts and symptoms and dieting had a direct effect on ON and that food preoccupation partially mediated these relationships. CONCLUSION These findings provide novel insight into the nature of ON that could aid its conceptualization and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Center for Intervention and Research Studies on the Family, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Center for Intervention and Research Studies on the Family, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, Milano, Italy
| | - Susan Simpson
- NHS Forth Valley Eating Disorder Service, Stirling, Scotland, UK; Department of Justice & Society, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milano, Italy; IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory, Milano, Italy
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Foyster M, Sultan N, Tonkovic M, Govus A, Burton-Murray H, Tuck CJ, Biesiekierski JR. Assessing the presence and motivations of orthorexia nervosa among athletes and adults with eating disorders: a cross-sectional study. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:101. [PMID: 38070009 PMCID: PMC10710386 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01631-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Orthorexia nervosa involves restricting diet based on quality rather than quantity. Although orthorexia is well reported in many at-risk populations, limited data addresses its presence in individuals with eating disorder history (EDs) or athletes. We aimed to identify the presence and potential drivers of orthorexia in adults with EDs and endurance athletes, compared to control subjects. METHODS Participants ≥ 18y included: people with a diagnosed eating disorder (ED as per DSM-5); endurance athletes (training/competing ≥ 5 h/week); or control subjects. Participants (n = 197) completed an online survey assessing orthorexia (eating habits questionnaire, EHQ), eating motivations (TEMS-B) and compulsive exercise (CET). RESULTS ED had the highest orthorexia symptom severity (92.0 ± 3.02, n = 32), followed by athletes (76.2 ± 2.74, n = 54) and controls (71.0 ± 1.80, n = 111) (F (2) = 18.2, p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation existed between weight control motives and higher orthorexia symptom severity (r = 0.54, 95% CI [1.35, 2.36], p < 0.001), while a weak negative association existed between Hunger and Pleasure motives and higher orthorexia symptom severity (r = 0.23, 95% CI [- 2.24, - 0.34], p = 0.008; r = 0.26, 95% CI [- 2.11, - 0.47], p = 0.002, respectively). A moderate positive relationship was found between CET and orthorexia symptom severity (95% CI [1.52, 3.12], p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Adults with ED history and endurance athletes have greater orthorexia symptom severity compared to control. Clinicians working with at-risk populations should screen patients and be aware of red-flags of orthorexic traits, desire to control weight, and compulsive exercise behavior. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: Evidence obtained from cohort studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Foyster
- Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Nessmah Sultan
- Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia
| | - Matilda Tonkovic
- Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Govus
- Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Helen Burton-Murray
- Division of Gastroenterology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caroline J Tuck
- Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
- Department of Nursing and Allied Health, Swinburne University, Hawthorn, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica R Biesiekierski
- Department of Dietetics, Nutrition and Sport, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia.
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, VIC, Australia.
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Dziewa M, Bańka B, Herbet M, Piątkowska-Chmiel I. Eating Disorders and Diabetes: Facing the Dual Challenge. Nutrients 2023; 15:3955. [PMID: 37764739 PMCID: PMC10538145 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Eating disorders and diabetes mellitus are distinct yet closely linked health conditions, presenting distinct challenges in terms of care and management. Eating disorders encompass a spectrum of mental health disorders characterized by abnormal eating behaviors and disruptions in weight regulation. Research indicates that individuals with diabetes might be at an elevated risk of developing eating disorders. The necessity to adhere to specific dietary guidelines, monitor blood sugar levels vigilantly, and manage drug administration can collectively contribute to the emergence of detrimental attitudes toward food and body image. On the other hand, incorrect eating behaviors such as binge eating and purging can disrupt blood sugar control, significantly impacting the development and management of diabetes. This intricate relationship emphasizes the crucial necessity for a comprehensive understanding and specialized care to effectively address the dual challenges faced by individuals dealing with both diabetes and eating disorders. This paper represents the inaugural comprehensive review delving into the intricate connection between eating disorders and diabetes, thereby illuminating previously under-researched areas. The insights gleaned from this review may contribute to developing integrated interventions that aim to improve the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals grappling with the complexities of eating disorders and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Iwona Piątkowska-Chmiel
- Chair and Department of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8b Street, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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Global Scientific Trends on Healthy Eating from 2002 to 2021: A Bibliometric and Visualized Analysis. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15061461. [PMID: 36986189 PMCID: PMC10054585 DOI: 10.3390/nu15061461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet has been recognized as a vital risk factor for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), climate changes, and increasing population, which has been reflected by a rapidly growing body of the literature related to healthy eating. To reveal a panorama of the topics related to healthy eating, this study aimed to characterize and visualize the knowledge structure, hotspots, and trends in this field over the past two decades through bibliometric analyses. Publications related to healthy eating between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2021 were retrieved and extracted from the Web of Science database. The characteristics of articles including publication years, journals, authors, institutions, countries/regions, references, and keywords were assessed. The analyses on co-authorship, co-occurrence, and co-citation were performed and network visualization maps were constructed by VOSviewer. Major subdomains identified by bibliometrics were further discussed and analyzed. A total of 12,442 articles on healthy eating were identified. Over the past two decades, the annual global publications increased from 71 to 1764, showing a nearly 25-fold growth. The journal Nutrients published the most articles and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition possessed the highest citations. The United States, Harvard University, and Hu, Frank B. were identified as the most productive and influential country, institution, and author, respectively. The co-occurrence cluster analysis of the top 100 keywords formed four clusters: (1) the food insecurity environment for youths highlighting the necessity and significance of implementing healthy eating in early life; (2) sustainable advantages of the Mediterranean diet; (3) the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle optimization leveraged by eHealth; (4) the challenges during the course of healthy eating against obesity, which are prominent in reflecting the knowledge structure, hotspots, and trends. Moreover, COVID-19, orthorexia nervosa, sustainability, microbiota, food insecurity, and e-health are identified keywords that represented the latest high-frequency keywords and indicated the emerging frontiers of healthy eating. This study indicates that the number of publications on healthy eating will increase in the future and that healthy dietary patterns and clinical applications of healthy eating will be the next hotspots in this research field.
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The effect of social media use on orthorexia nervosa: a sample from Turkey. NUTR HOSP 2023; 40:384-390. [PMID: 36880720 DOI: 10.20960/nh.04217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES the current study evaluated the orthorexic tendencies of social media users and the factors affecting these tendencies. METHODS a total of 2526 adult participants (696 male and 1830 female, 28.4 ± 10.3 years) completed a questionnaire that includes personal information, the Orthorexia Nervosa Scale (ORTO-11), the Social Media and Eating Behavior Scale (SMEB), and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ). Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from the reported weight and height of the participants. Independent-sample t-tests or chi-square tests were computed to evaluate various information of the participants according to the ON tendency. A binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors. RESULTS according to ORTO-11, 56.1 % of the participants had a tendency to ON, and the trend to ON increased with age and BMI (p < 0.05). People without ON tendency spent more time (172.2 ± 119.9 min/day) on social media. Participants who followed webpages with healthy nutrition and sport-exercise recommendations had an increased ON risk when compared to those who did not follow those pages (p < 0.05). In addition, although there was a significant difference between participants in physical activity level according to the ON tendency, this relationship was not significant in the regression model (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION this study indicates that increasing social media usage, especially web pages that include health and nutrition recommendations, may boost the tendency to ON. Thus, raising awareness of social media may be beneficial to people who have a tendency to ON.
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Talbot CV, Campbell CER, Greville-Harris M. "Your struggles are valid, you are worthy of help and you deserve to recover": narratives of recovery from orthorexia nervosa. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:25. [PMID: 36849619 PMCID: PMC9971094 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01554-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Limited research has examined recovery processes and conceptualisations of recovery within orthorexia nervosa (ON). This study harnessed Instagram data to examine how people who self-identify with ON use the hashtag #OrthorexiaRecovery and how recovery is represented within this online space. METHODS 500 textual posts containing #OrthorexiaRecovery were extracted from Instagram. Co-occurring hashtags were analysed descriptively to determine whether this online space is specific to ON, and textual data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS The hashtag analysis indicated that #OrthorexiaRecovery is being used within a wider context of eating disorder recovery and awareness, but also provides deep insights into experiences of recovery from ON. The thematic analysis generated five themes: the invisibility of orthorexia; a turbulent and continuous process; finding food freedom; from compulsive exercise to intuitive movement; a community of support. Our findings suggest that people with self-reported ON experience recovery as a continuous process and the current invisibility of ON within diagnostic criteria and wider society impedes recovery. While working towards recovery, users aimed to be free from diet culture, become more attuned to their bodies, and develop more adaptive relationships with food and fitness. Users noted a general lack of support for people with ON and so used this online space to create a supportive community, though some content was potentially triggering. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the importance of increased recognition of ON and the potential value of targeting societal norms and harnessing social identity resources within therapeutic interventions for ON.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine V Talbot
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole House, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, Dorset, UK.
| | - Charleigh E R Campbell
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole House, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, Dorset, UK
| | - Maddy Greville-Harris
- Department of Psychology, Bournemouth University, Poole House, Fern Barrow, Poole, BH12 5BB, Dorset, UK
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Sifakaki M, Gkiouras K, Lindqvist HM, Marakis G, Petropoulou A, Donini LM, Bogdanos DP, Grammatikopoulou MG. Orthorexia Nervosa Practices in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The DORA Study. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030713. [PMID: 36771419 PMCID: PMC9919523 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Medical nutrition therapy (MNT) is an indisputable component of the multidisciplinary therapeutic approach in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Previous research has suggested that in chronic disease where nutrition is an important effector of prognosis, healthy dietary choices might take an unhealthy turn, with patients developing disordered eating in the form of orthorexia nervosa (ON). ON is characterized by a pathological preoccupation with "healthy", "pure" eating, associated with restrictive dietary patterns, nutrient deficiencies and worsening disease outcomes. The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to evaluate ON tendencies in a sample of adult patients with RA. A total of 133 patients with RA were recruited, and completed the ORTO-15 questionnaire for the assessment of ON tendencies. Most of the patients were overweight/obese (53.4%). The results revealed ON tendencies in the sample, with the median ORTO-15 score reaching 36 (IQR: 33-39). Greater ON tendencies were associated with the female gender, and lowered ON tendencies with increasing age and body mass index. The present findings highlight the need for health professional awareness regarding the problem of ON in patients with RA and the importance of screening patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sifakaki
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, P.O. Box 141, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Gkiouras
- Unit of Immunonutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Helen M. Lindqvist
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Georgios Marakis
- Nutrition and Food Standards Unit, Hellenic Food Authority, 124 Kifisias Avenue & Iatridou 2, GR-11526 Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Petropoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, International Hellenic University, Alexander Campus, P.O. Box 141, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Lorenzo M. Donini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitrios P. Bogdanos
- Unit of Immunonutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Unit of Immunonutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, GR-41110 Larissa, Greece
- Correspondence:
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Greville-Harris M, Talbot CV, Moseley RL, Vuillier L. Conceptualisations of health in orthorexia nervosa: a mixed-methods study. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:3135-3143. [PMID: 35861935 PMCID: PMC9301897 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01443-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Limited research has explored conceptualisations of health and healthy eating in orthorexia nervosa (ON). This mixed-methods study aimed to investigate how 'health' and 'healthy eating' are conceptualised by individuals at risk for ON. This study examined the potential relationships between health anxiety, beliefs about health controllability and orthorexic symptomatology in our broader sample. METHODS A total of 362 participants took a survey on health anxiety (measured with the HAQ), beliefs about the controllability of one's own health (IMHLC) and ON symptomatology (E-DOS and EHQ). Participants 'at risk' for ON (n = 141), also completed an online qualitative survey about conceptualisations of health and healthy eating. Qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis (part A). The PROCESS macro for SPSS was used for the quantitative analysis (part B). RESULTS Conceptualisations of health and healthy eating were complex. Four themes were generated from our qualitative data: 'health is more than thin ideals', 'healthy food equals healthy mind', 'a body that works for you' and 'taking control of your body'. Our quantitative analysis revealed that health anxiety and beliefs in health controllability independently predicted ON symptomatology. CONCLUSION A richer understanding of what health means in the context of ON is important, given the centrality of this concept to the proposed classification of this disordered eating style. Our findings highlight that both health anxiety and health controllability are important targets for future investigation, given their potential relevance to the aetiology and treatment of ON. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, based on a descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maddy Greville-Harris
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK.
| | - Catherine V Talbot
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Rachel L Moseley
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
| | - Laura Vuillier
- Department of Psychology Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Poole, BH12 5BB, UK
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Samaha S, Azzi R, Rizk R, Sarray El Dine A, Malaeb D, Hallit S, Obeid S, Soufia M. Association between the bi-dimensional aspect of orthorexia and healthy behaviors among lebanese adolescents. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:725. [PMID: 36411409 PMCID: PMC9676759 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04374-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, there has been a blooming focus on "eating healthy and clean", with the ideal of being healthy becoming a popular lifestyle trend. Previous research suggested the presence of two forms of orthorexia: Orthorexia Nervosa (OrNe) and Healthy Orthorexia (HeOr). Taking into consideration that orthorexia thoughts are led by the desire to reach an optimal physical health, the dedication to a healthy living may require healthy lifestyle habits: smoking cessation, moderate alcohol intake, and increased physical activity. The main study aim was to determine, among Lebanese adolescents, the association between healthy behaviors and the two likely forms of orthorexia (OrNe and HeOr), given that the adolescent phase is a risky period in the development of eating disorders. METHODS A cross-sectional study, conducted between January and April 2022, enrolled 444 adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years, with an equitable random sample from all the Lebanese governorates (mean age 16.23 ± 1.15 years; 60.1% females). The Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) was used to assess orthorexic eating tendencies. The Lebanese Waterpipe Dependence Scale, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence and the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test scales, all validated in adolescents, were used to evaluate the association between orthorexia and healthy behaviors. RESULTS Higher TOS OrNe scores were significantly and highly correlated with the TOS HeOr scores (r = 0.68; p < 0.001). In the bivariate analysis, waterpipe smoking was weakly but significantly associated with more OrNe, whereas more physical activity was significantly and moderately associated with more HeOr. After adjusting over all sociodemographic characteristics, other behaviors and the other dimension of orthorexia, more alcohol use disorder was significantly but strongly associated with higher OrNe, whereas more physical activity remained significantly associated with higher HeOr. CONCLUSION In light of our results, OrNe and HeOr might be considered as different entities, mainly in their associations with alcohol consumption and physical activity. This supports the hypothesis of OrNe being a new form of eating disorder, whereas HeOr possibly showing protective characteristics. Orthorexia is still a topic of controversy, especially in the probable presence of two facets that are still difficult to differentiate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Samaha
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Reine Azzi
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon
| | - Rana Rizk
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Abir Sarray El Dine
- grid.444421.30000 0004 0417 6142Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of arts and Sciences, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- grid.444421.30000 0004 0417 6142School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411884.00000 0004 1762 9788College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon. .,Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, 11931, Amman, Jordan. .,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon.
| | - Sahar Obeid
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Michel Soufia
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon.
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Costanzo G, Marchetti D, Manna G, Verrocchio MC, Falgares G. The role of eating disorders features, psychopathology, and defense mechanisms in the comprehension of orthorexic tendencies. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2713-2724. [PMID: 35648315 PMCID: PMC9556392 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01417-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Recent studies pointed out the importance to distinguish orthorexia nervosa (ON) from non-problematic forms of interest with healthy eating. This distinction needs to be further explored since it may favor a better comprehension of the relationship between orthorexic behaviors and psychopathology and lead to an improved understanding of the psychological processes implicated in ON. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the associations between ON and the core features of eating disorders (EDs), psychopathological symptoms and defense mechanisms, by differentiating three groups of individuals: an ON symptoms group, a healthy-eating control group, and a normal-eating control group. METHODS College students (n = 270, Mage = 21.57, SD = 2.16) were recruited from Palermo's University, in the south of Italy, and were assigned to three groups: 52 in the ON symptoms group, 157 in the healthy-eating control group and 61 in the normal-eating control group. Participants completed four questionnaires assessing ON (EHQ-21), eating psychopathology (EDI-3), psychopathological symptoms (BSI) and defense mechanisms (DSQ-40). RESULTS Compared to the control groups, the ON symptoms group reported greater EDs' features, higher psychopathological symptoms and greater employment of different neurotic and immature defense mechanisms. No differences were found between groups with regard to obsessive-compulsive symptoms. CONCLUSION Our findings support the notion that ON behaviors should be carefully distinguished from non-problematic forms of interest with healthy eating. Indeed, results suggest that ON individuals are characterized by similar clinical features and defensive functioning as those observed in traditional EDs, indicating the importance of deepening our understanding of the relationship between these conditions. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costanzo
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniela Marchetti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Giovanna Manna
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Verrocchio
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Falgares
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Validation of the Turkish version of the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) in an adult population: its association with psychometric properties. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:729-735. [PMID: 34028783 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01199-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI) in a large adult population. METHODS Included in this cross-sectional study, were 710 individuals living in Turkey who were between 18 and 65 years of age. The individuals were reached via an online questionnaire that included their sociodemographic characteristics and the ONI and Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to test the validity of the ONI. The ONI contains three sub-factors (behaviors, emotions, and impairments). Analyses were conducted using LISREL 8.80 for Windows and IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows 22.0. RESULTS The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.91 for the ONI total factor scores and Cronbach alpha values for behaviors, impairments, and emotions were found to be 0.82, 0.84, and 0.81, respectively. The CFA performed supported the three-factor structure of the ONI obtained in the first sample. The minimum discrepancy per degree of freedom = 5.65 and the model generally fit well to the structure (RMSEA = 0.08, CFI = 0.94, NFI = 0.93, SRMR = 0.07, IFI = 0.94). A positive and moderate relationship (r = 0.42) was found between the ONI and EAT-26. A positive and low level (r = 0.16) correlation was found between the ONI and body mass index. There was no statistically significant difference between the ONI scores according to gender (p = 0.22). CONCLUSION The findings suggested that the Turkish version of the ONI is a valid and reliable scale for determining the tendency for ON in a Turkish adult population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
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Grammatikopoulou MG, Gkiouras K, Polychronidou G, Kaparounaki C, Gkouskou KK, Magkos F, Donini LM, Eliopoulos AG, Goulis DG. Obsessed with Healthy Eating: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies Assessing Orthorexia Nervosa in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Nutrients 2021; 13:3823. [PMID: 34836080 PMCID: PMC8622186 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is an unspecified feeding or eating disorder (USFED) characterized by an exaggerated, unhealthy obsession with healthy eating. Τypical eating disorders (EDs) and USFEDs are common among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), which complicates metabolic control and disease outcomes. The present systematic review summarizes the evidence on the prevalence of ON symptomatology among patients with DM. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and grey literature were searched, and relevant observational studies were screened using the Rayyan software. The quality of the studies was assessed using the appraisal tool for cross-sectional studies (AXIS) and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS). Out of 4642 studies, 6 fulfilled the predefined criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Most studies relied on the ORTO-15 or its adaptations to identify ON among patients with DM. No apparent sex or age differences exist regarding the prevalence of ON symptoms. None of the studies compared the prevalence of ON in patients with type 1 and type 2 DM. Most of the research was of average to good methodological quality. In conclusion, patients with DM often exhibit ON tendencies, although research is still limited regarding the etiology or mechanistic drivers behind ON and the characteristics of patients with a dual ON-DM diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G. Grammatikopoulou
- Department of Nutritional Sciences & Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Alexander Campus, International Hellenic University, GR-57400 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Gkiouras
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Campus, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (G.P.); (C.K.)
| | - Georgia Polychronidou
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Campus, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (G.P.); (C.K.)
| | - Chrysi Kaparounaki
- Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Campus, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, GR-54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.G.); (G.P.); (C.K.)
| | - Kalliopi K. Gkouskou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11527 Athens, Greece; (K.K.G.); (A.G.E.)
- Embiodiagnostics Biology Research Company, GR-71305 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark;
| | - Lorenzo Maria Donini
- Department of Experimental Medicine-Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology Section, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Aristides G. Eliopoulos
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11527 Athens, Greece; (K.K.G.); (A.G.E.)
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
- Center for New Biotechnologies and Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, GR-11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G. Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, 1st Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, GR-56429 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Barthels F, Horn S, Pietrowsky R. Orthorexic eating behaviour, illness anxiety and dysfunctional cognitions characteristic of somatic symptom disorders in a non-clinical sample. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:2387-2391. [PMID: 33392953 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-01091-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To analyse the relation of illness anxiety, dysfunctional cognitions characteristic of somatic symptom disorders and orthorexic eating behaviour in a non-clinical sample. METHODS N = 445 participants (n = 363 females) completed an online survey with the following questionnaires: the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale to measure orthorexic eating behaviour, the Attitudes Towards Body and Health Questionnaire to assess dysfunctional cognitions concerning the perception and interpretation of bodily sensations and the Multidimensional Inventory of Hypochondriacal Traits to measure illness anxiety. RESULTS In the total sample, orthorexic eating behaviour was associated with the aforementioned variables to a very low extent. However, individuals with high levels of orthorexic eating behaviour (n = 19) displayed significantly higher levels of health habits and of perceptions of autonomic sensations, as well as higher levels of hypochondriacal worry and absorption than individuals with low levels of orthorexic eating behaviour (n = 19). CONCLUSIONS Orthorexic eating behaviour is associated to some characteristic features of illness anxiety and dysfunctional cognitions characteristic of somatic symptom disorders. Future studies should investigate whether illness anxiety serves as a risk factor for the development of orthorexic eating behaviour. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III, case-control analytic study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friederike Barthels
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Horn
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reinhard Pietrowsky
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Experimental Psychology, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Universitätsstraße 1, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Dietary Habits and Musculoskeletal Pain in Statin and Red Yeast Rice Users: A Pilot Study. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2021; 11:1156-1165. [PMID: 34698118 PMCID: PMC8544747 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe11040085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Diet and statins are commonly used to treat high cholesterol (CHOL) levels. (2) Aim: To compare adherence to Mediterranean diet (Med-D), orthorexia nervosa (ON), and musculoskeletal pain in individuals in treatment with statins metabolized by CYP3A4, not metabolized by CYP3A4 or red yeast rice (RYR, containing monacolin K: MON-K). (3) Methods: starting from 80 individuals, after the exclusion of those with other causes of possible pain, 56 individuals were selected and divided into three groups according to the type of statin (CYP3A4, NO-CYP3A4 and MON-K). Adherence to the Med-D was evaluated with the MEDScore and a sub-score was calculated for fruit and vegetables consumption (MEDScore-FV). ON and musculoskeletal pain were assessed with the ORTO-15 and with the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaires, respectively. A retrospective analysis of CHOL decrease after treatment was conducted. (4) Results: CHOL levels were lower in CYP3A4 and NO-CYP3A4 after treatment (182.4 ± 6.3 and 177.0 ± 7.8 mg/dL, respectively), compared with MON-K (204.2 ± 7.1 mg/dL, p < 0.05). MON-K and CYP3A4 groups had a high prevalence of reported knee pain (33.3% and 18.8%, respectively) than NO-CYP3A4 group (0%, p < 0.05). A high percentage of individuals in MON-K take supplements and nutraceuticals (87.5%), whereas MEDScore-FV was higher in CYP3A4 (9.4 ± 0.2) compared to NO-CYP3A4 (7.6 ± 0.5, p < 0.05). (5) Conclusions: This study suggests that individuals receiving treatment with statins and RYR should be monitored from the perspective of plant foods’ consumption and nutraceutical use, to prevent musculoskeletal pain.
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Niedzielski A, Kaźmierczak-Wojtaś N. Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa and Its Diagnostic Tools-A Literature Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18105488. [PMID: 34065506 PMCID: PMC8160773 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18105488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the up-to-date diagnostic tools of orthorexia and markers of its prevalence on the basis of the available literature. The authors searched PubMedCentral (PMC) and Google Scholar with the search entry of “orthorexia”, “orthorexia nervosa”, and “orthorexicbehaviours”. We describe the tools of evaluation of orthorexicbehaviour (i.e., orthorexia self-test—BOT, the ORTO-15 questionnaire, Eating Habits Questionnaire—EHQ, Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale—DOS, Teruel Orthorexia Scale—TOS, Barcelona Orthorexia Scale—BOS, and Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory—ONI), and offer a review of the studies on orthorexia nervosa. We conclude that there are no reliable data regarding the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa. The available studies point to significant differences in the prevalence depending on the value of cut-off points and tools used. The prevalence varies across countries and across populations, ranging from 6.9% in the Italian population to 88.7% in the group of Brazilian students of dieting. Thus, it indicates that some groups seem to be susceptible to the risk of ON more than others. It is a challenge to determine the prevalence of orthorexia, and any obtained results should be treated with caution. Consequently, we claim that the use of the ORTO-15 questionnaire to diagnose orthorexia is questionable due to a high percentage of falsely positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoni Niedzielski
- Independent General Psychology Unit, Medical University in Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
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18
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Oberle CD, De Nadai AS, Madrid AL. Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI): development and validation of a new measure of orthorexic symptomatology. Eat Weight Disord 2021; 26:609-622. [PMID: 32279201 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-020-00896-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To overcome the problems associated with existing measures of orthorexia, we assessed the reliability and validity of a new measure: the Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory (ONI). METHOD An online survey was completed by 847 people recruited from undergraduate nutrition and psychology courses and from advertisements in Facebook and Instagram targeting both healthy eaters (with keywords such as "clean eating" and "healthy eating") and normal eaters (with keywords such as "delicious food" and "desserts"). RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis revealed three factors with 9 items assessing behaviors and preoccupation with healthy eating, 10 items assessing physical and psychosocial impairments, and 5 items assessing emotional distress. With this sample, all scales demonstrated good internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.88-0.90) and 2-week test-retest reliability (r = 0.86- 0.87). Consistent with past research, ONI scores were significantly greater among vegetarians and vegans, and among those with higher levels of disordered eating, general obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and compulsive exercise. Additionally, whereas ONI scores did not significantly differ between men and women, the scores were negatively correlated with body mass index. CONCLUSION The ONI is the first orthorexia measure to include items assessing physical impairments that researchers and clinicians agree comprise a key component of the disorder. Additionally, at least for the current sample, the ONI is a reliable measure with expected correlations based on the past research. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal D Oberle
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA.
| | - Alessandro S De Nadai
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
| | - Aspen L Madrid
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, 601 University Dr., San Marcos, TX, 78666, USA
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Brytek-Matera A, Plasonja N, Décamps G. Assessing Orthorexia Nervosa: Validation of the Polish Version of the Eating Habits Questionnaire in a General Population Sample. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12123820. [PMID: 33327518 PMCID: PMC7764984 DOI: 10.3390/nu12123820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extreme focus on healthy eating, called orthorexia nervosa (ON), was assessed using a 21-item Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ). The present study aimed to validate the Polish version of the EHQ in a general population sample. Nine hundred sixty-seven women (59%) and men participated in the present study. Data was obtained from an internet-administered survey. Exploratory factor analysis with the first split sample (n = 502) produced a three-factor solution accounting for 47% of the variance. In confirmatory factor analysis with the second split sample (n = 465), the three-factor structure showed satisfactory goodness-of-fit (comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.99, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.008). Reliability analysis for the Polish version of the EHQ across the whole questionnaire showed strong internal consistency (α = 0.88, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.86). The internal consistency, measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficients, for the EHQ subscales were 0.85 (knowledge), 0.81 (problems), and 0.81 (feelings and behaviors). Total EHQ score was positively correlated with its three subscales, cognitive restraint, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating, and was negatively correlated with body mass index (BMI). The Polish version of the EHQ is a reliable questionnaire that can be used with confidence to better assess ON in a general population sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brytek-Matera
- Faculty of Psychology in Katowice, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 40-326 Katowice, Poland
- Correspondence: or
| | - Natalija Plasonja
- LabPsy, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (N.P.); (G.D.)
| | - Greg Décamps
- LabPsy, University of Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France; (N.P.); (G.D.)
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Prevalence of orthorexia nervosa among nutrition students and nutritionists: Pilot study. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2020; 40:144-148. [PMID: 33183528 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.09.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is defined as an excessive concern in choosing and preparing of meals according to strict rules. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of ON among nutrition students and nutritionists and to identify the related variables affected by the ON tendency. METHODS This cross-sectional study was carried out in July and August of 2019 among 421 nutrition students from six universities, in addition to nutritionists in Jordan. Participants completed questionnaire related to individual characteristics and the ORTO-15 scale. Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) tendency was measured using ORTO-15 questionnaire, referring to different diagnostic thresholds (40/35). p < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS Orthorexia had 72.0% prevalence in our sample using the 40-point threshold; the figure was reasonably lower with the 35-point threshold (31.8%). Also, ON tendency was significantly affected by BMI categories (p = 0.007) and gender (p = 0.043) at 35-point threshold. Males have more tendency (39.4%) than females (28.6%) (p = 0.029). CONCLUSION The results of this study highlight the magnitude of ON in Jordan. Using cut-off at 35 is preferable than cut-off at 40 to identify factors influencing ON. Moreover, ON tendency is affected by gender and BMI and not affected by educational level.
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Tarı Selçuk K, Çevik C. Use of dietary supplements among nursing students in Turkey in the last 12 months and its relation with orthorexia nervosa. Perspect Psychiatr Care 2020; 56:885-893. [PMID: 32249454 DOI: 10.1111/ppc.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was aimed at investigating the use of dietary supplements among nursing students in Turkey in the last 12 months and its relation with orthorexia nervosa (ON). DESIGN AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted in Balıkesir, a province in northwestern Turkey, between November and December 2019 included 560 nursing students. FINDINGS Almost a fifth of the students had used dietary supplements in the last 12 months and the use of dietary supplements was associated with ON. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS Students should be screened for ON symptoms and attempts to reduce ON symptoms in students at risk should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevser Tarı Selçuk
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, Bandırma, Balıkesir, Turkey
| | - Celalettin Çevik
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Balıkesir University, Balıkesir, Turkey
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Strahler J, Stark R. Perspective: Classifying Orthorexia Nervosa as a New Mental Illness-Much Discussion, Little Evidence. Adv Nutr 2020; 11:784-789. [PMID: 32059052 PMCID: PMC7360443 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Significant prevalence rates of pathological healthful eating and its extreme form, orthorexia nervosa (ON), the pathological obsession with healthy eating, have led to increased efforts to understand this phenomenon's clinical relevance. This narrative review qualitatively summarizes existing evidence on the (psycho-)pathology and consequences of ON and offers an interpretation within the frame of existing theories and models of psychiatric disease. Adding to the controversy in the field of ON, this review offers important critiques and identifies gaps in our current understanding of ON as a (distinct) mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Strahler
- Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Rudolf Stark
- Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
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23
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Strahler J. Author's response to commentary re. "Sex differences in orthorexic eating behaviors: A systematic review and meta-analytical integration". Nutrition 2019; 70:110603. [PMID: 31767496 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2019.110603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jana Strahler
- Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, University of Giessen, Germany
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