What are the key features of orthorexia nervosa and influences on its development? A qualitative investigation

Cheshire, Anna; Berry, Michelle; Fixsen, Alison

doi:10.1016/j.appet.2020.104798

Cited by 33 publications

(34 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…Excessive attention to a healthy lifestyle might have medical and psychological consequences [6], yet many such behaviors are widely promoted by mass media and often endorsed by Western societies [9,10]. In addition, the overlap with some diagnoses recognised as Eating Disorders (EDs) (e.g., Anorexia Nervosa (AN) or Bulimia Nervosa (BN)) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) [11] make ON a multi-faceted and evolving framework.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Orthorexia nervosa and dieting in a non-clinical sample: a prospective study

et al. 2022

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Purpose Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is characterised by excessive attention to a dietary regimen perceived as healthy. A critical factor in the distinction between ON and other eating disorders (EDs) is the dichotomy of quality-versus-quantity of food intake. We investigated whether specific types of diet or dieting frequency are associated with orthorexic features, explored the overlap between ON and EDs symptoms, and examined which constructs are predictive of ON after 6 months. Methods A total of 1075 students (75.1% female, mean age 20.9) completed a set of questionnaires assessing Orthorexia, Eating Disorders, Obsessions and Compulsions, Anxiety and Depression; 358 individuals (79.9 female, mean age 20.9) agreed to participate in the study and completed the same questionnaires after 6 months. Different regression models were defined to investigate our hypothesis. Results Findings suggest that ON is associated with the number and type of diets followed over a lifetime. Moreover, participants with EDs, body dissatisfaction, or a dysfunctional idea of thinness are more likely to report a greater degree of ON features. After 6 months, the best predictors of ON characteristics are the same ON characteristics assessed at the first administration, with a significant role in the ideal of thinness. Conclusions ON is more frequent in individuals with a previous diagnosis of EDs and in individuals who followed a restrictive diet or a vegan/vegetarian one; the number of lifetime diets, beliefs, and behaviors related to the ideals of thinness or body dissatisfaction is common features of ON. Moreover, considering that having ON features in the past is the best ON predictor in the present, we can presume that ON is a construct stable over time. Level of evidence Level IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series analysis such as case studies. (NB: Dramatic results in uncontrolled trials might also be regarded as this type of evidence).

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Orthorexia nervosa and dieting in a non-clinical sample: a prospective study

et al. 2022

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“…With regard to personality traits, most definitions point to the relevance of certain traits, most of them associated with ED and OCD. There is a consensus about the importance of perfectionism (Bundros et al, 2016 ; Barrada and Roncero, 2018 ; Bartel et al, 2020 ), narcissism (Oberle et al, 2017 ), rigidity, need for control, and self-discipline (Koven and Abry, 2015 ; Domingues and Carmo, 2019 ; Cheshire et al, 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Personality Profile in Orthorexia Nervosa and Healthy Orthorexia

et al. 2021

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Little is known about orthorexia in both its pathological (orthorexia nervosa, OrNe) and adaptive (healthy orthorexia, HeOr) forms. To date, few studies have been carried out to analyze the personality profile associated with orthorexia, and the results have been contradictory. The aim of the present study was to explore the characteristic pathological personality traits associated with OrNe and HeOr. A total of 297 participants (Mage = 30.8 years; 94.6% women) from the general population completed the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) and Personality Inventory for DSM-5-Short Form (PID-5-SF) questionnaires. Results showed significant low-medium correlations between OrNe and the four personality factors (Negative Affectivity, Detachment, Disinhibition, and Psychoticism) (rs range [0.08, 0.36]). In the regression analysis, the predictors of OrNe were Neuroticism and, to a lesser extent, Psychoticism. For HeOr, the associations were lower (rs range [−0.13, 0.05]) and negative, except Psychoticism. Only the relationship with Disinhibition was statistically significant, although after controlling for OrNe, Negative Affectivity and Antagonism also became significant. In the regression analysis, the predictors of HeOr were Disinhibition (negative direction) and Psychoticism (positive direction). The findings show that OrNe is associated with a pathological personality pattern characterized by difficulty in regulating emotions and negative affect (Negative Affectivity), as well as eccentricity, feeling special, and holding beliefs outside the norm (Psychoticism). However, HeOr seems to be related to the tendency toward high responsibility, self-control, the ability to maintain the focus of attention (low Disinhibition), and Psychoticism. Future studies should confirm whether this combination is a key component underlying the development and maintenance of orthorexia.

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“…Anecdotal reports of two-or three-day water fasts before chemotherapy [119] underline the need for the medical community to gain control over this practice and carefully discuss the pros and cons with their patients. As a pertinent example, extreme diets, for example, those that include fasts could lead to orthorexic behaviors [120] and other eating disorders.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Traditional and Medical Applications of Fasting

et al. 2022

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Fasting has been practiced for millennia, for religious, ethical, or health reasons. It is also commonplace among different species, from humans, to animals, to lower eukaryotes. Research on fasting is gaining traction based on recent studies that show its role in many adaptive cellular responses such as the reduction of oxidative damage and inflammation, increase of energy metabolism, and in boosting cellular protection. In this expert review, we recount the historical evolution of fasting and we critically analyze its current medical applications, including benefits and caveats. Based on the available data, we conclude that the manipulation of dietary intake, in the form of calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, dietary restriction with the exclusion of some nutrients, prolonged fasting, and so forth, is anthropologically engraved in human culture possibly because of its positive health effects. Indeed, many studies show that fasting ameliorates many biochemical parameters related to cardiovascular and cancer risk, and neurodegeneration. Mechanistic studies are plentiful, but largely limited to cell cultures or laboratory animals. Understandably, there are no controlled trials of any form of fasting that gauge the effects on [any cause] mortality. Physicians should be aware that misinformation is pervasive and that their patients often adopt dietary regimens that are far from being clinically validated. Moreover, doctors are often unaware of their patients’ religious or traditional fasting and of its potential health effects. Based on current evidence, no long-term fasting should be undertaken without medical supervision until future research will hopefully help shed further light on fasting and its effects on human health.

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What are the key features of orthorexia nervosa and influences on its development? A qualitative investigation

Cited by 33 publications

References 30 publications

Orthorexia nervosa and dieting in a non-clinical sample: a prospective study

Orthorexia nervosa and dieting in a non-clinical sample: a prospective study

Personality Profile in Orthorexia Nervosa and Healthy Orthorexia

Traditional and Medical Applications of Fasting

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