Associations between Orthorexia Nervosa, Body Self-Image, Nutritional Beliefs, and Behavioral Rigidity

Abstract

Possible correlations between orthorexic self-reports, unhealthy nutritional beliefs, behavioral rigidity related to following rules, and distortion of body self-image were investigated. In total, 246 university students of both sexes, from different areas of knowledge, answered a sociodemographic form, the Ortho-15, the Body Shape Questionnaire, the Rigidity Scale, and a Nutritional Beliefs Form. Orthorexic self-reports were observed in 73 men and 106 women. A positive correlation was found between females and orthorexic self-reports (p = 0.036), and severe distortion of body self-image (p = 0.002) and between the latter, the behavioral rigidity scale (p2 = 0.189; p = 0.001), and female sex (p2 = 0.245; p < 0.000). In the logistic regression, women were 1.83 times more likely to present orthorexic behaviors than men. The creation of prevention and treatment strategies aimed at women is suggested and it recommended that studies investigating whether the presence of orthorexic self-reports is a risk factor for the development of eating disorders are carried out.

The Risk of Orthorexia and the Prevalence of Emotional Eating Behaviours among Polish Military Flying Personnel in Relation to Body Mass Index (BMI) and Sociodemographic Factors

“…A systematic review of studies [ 47 ] revealed that orthorexic tendencies were similar in both sexes, although the results differed depending on the diagnostic tool used. Some studies found that the prevalence of ON was significantly higher in women [ 48 , 49 ], some studies found that it was significantly higher in men [ 9 , 10 ], and other studies found no significant gender differences in ON [ 22 , 23 , 43 , 50 , 51 ]. In the present study, no differences were found between men and women with regard to orthorectic behaviour.…”

“…The motivation itself to undertake a healthy diet is usually valid, and is most often based on the desire to avoid serious illnesses, improve the physical condition, and acquire healthy eating habits. However, orthorexia does not lead to an optimal nutritional state; on the contrary, it causes a number of somatic complications and deficiencies of particular vitamins and microelements, as well as disorders of the acid–base and water–electrolyte balances in the body [ 10 ]. The literature reports serious health complications in the course of orthorexia, such as severe hyponatremia, hypokalaemia, metabolic acidosis, emphysema, and pancytopenia [ 11 ].…”

Orthorexic tendency and its association with weight control methods and dietary variety in Polish adults: a cross-sectional study

“…It involves adhering to strict dietary rules that prioritize food quality and purity, potentially resulting in the exclusion of specific foods or food categories deemed “harmful to health” ( 2 ). Individuals with a tendency toward ON experience intense stress, anxiety, shame, heightened fear, feelings of personal impurity, and negative physical sensations when unable to strictly follow the perceived healthy dietary rules ( 3 ). This tendency can lead to interpersonal, academic, or social impairment as well as substantial weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and other medical consequences ( 2 ).…”

“…However, if an individual’s drive to lose weight is related to body dissatisfaction, dysphoria, and/or body dysmorphia, it may be more consistent with AN. Body image is associated with the perception of physical appearance, satisfaction levels, and behaviors individuals engage in or avoid due to discomfort with their bodies ( 3 ). Therefore, people with EDs may employ various methods of weight control to attain and/or maintain a thin body and weight, including restrictive diets, starvation, purging behaviors, and others ( 4 , 5 ).…”

Nutritional Knowledge about Maternal and Newborn Health among Physiotherapists during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…In addition to optimal nutrition, a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy should also involve daily physical exercise of moderate intensity and adequate sleep hygiene [ 9 ]. Evidence has suggested that increasing education and labor force participation among women might be relevant for addressing overweight/obesity in Latin America [ 35 ]. To better ensure physiotherapists’ positive interactions with pregnant women and to improve the adherence to clinical guidelines through training and practice standardization, there is a need to understand the relationship between current practices and the physiotherapists’ characteristics, as the latter might influence their practices.…”