Orthorexia as an Eating Disorder Spectrum-A Review of the Literature.

Nutrients

Department of Medical Psychology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland.

Published: September 2024

AI Article Synopsis

  • - The study examines orthorexia nervosa (ON), an eating disorder characterized by an unhealthy obsession with healthy eating, and looks at risk factors across different age and social groups.
  • - After reviewing over 53,000 articles from 2006 to 2023, 34 significant studies were analyzed, revealing that those with eating disorders and certain psychological issues are at higher risk for developing ON.
  • - The findings highlight a connection between ON and other eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia, suggesting ON might be a coping mechanism for these conditions, but more research is needed to understand its long-term consequences.

Article Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study is to compare and analyze research studies focused on orthorexia nervosa (ON) as a spectrum of eating disorders, and to summarize potential risk factors in different age and social groups. ON is characterized by an obsession with healthy eating, which leads to a restrictive diet and health problems.

Methods: Due to a lack of comprehensive analyses, this review re-examined studies from 2006 to 2023, initially retrieving 53,134 articles. Upon refining the criteria and risk factors for eating disorders, 34 notable records were identified. These studies employed diagnostic tools such as ORTO and BOT, focusing on risk factors for ON.

Results: Results indicate that individuals suffering from eating disorders, losing weight, exercising heavily, developing relationship problems, and suffering from body dysmorphic disorder are at high risk of developing ON. A significant correlation was found between ON, BMI, and gender, but not between ON and OCD. Interestingly, ON symptoms appear to overlap with those of other eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, especially in terms of obsessive control over dieting and fear of gaining weight, indicating a close relationship between the two.

Conclusions: Interestingly, orthorexia nervosa may serve as a coping mechanism for anorexia, providing a sense of control. However, further research on its long-term effects is required.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11478848PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nu16193304DOI Listing

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