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Gerber S, Jacques PF, Staffier KL, Karlsen MC, Roberts SB, Folta SC, Economos CD, McKeown NM. Scoring adherence to voluntary restriction diets (SAVoReD) in the ADAPT study. Appetite 2025; 213:108039. [PMID: 40345336 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2025.108039] [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: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 01/08/2025] [Accepted: 05/03/2025] [Indexed: 05/11/2025]
Abstract
Voluntary adoption of popular food-group-restricting diets like Paleo and plant-based diets (PBDs) are often health-motivated. However, unlike the theoretical design of these diets, different levels of dietary adherence may result in different diet quality and bodyweight in real-world settings-a limitation to the efficacy of dietary interventions. Scoring Adherence to Voluntary Restriction Diets (SAVoReD) is a metric to quantify and compare adherence across food-group-restricting diets. We applied the score to four diets, whole food plant-based (WFPB), vegan, vegetarian, and Paleo to examine associations between adherence and diet quality (Healthy Eating Index; HEI), body mass index (BMI), and diet duration. We also explored the independent associations of adherence and duration with BMI. Higher adherence to WFPB and vegan diets was significantly associated with lower BMI, but no association was observed for vegetarian or Paleo diet followers. For vegan and WFPB, greater adherence was associated with lower BMI among those following their diet ≥2 years compared to <2 years. Adherence was lowest in the diet with the most restrictions (WFPB); however, the stricter fully plant-based diets (WFPB and vegan) had the healthiest HEI scores and BMIs and many long-term followers. Our results suggest that identification with fully plant-based diets is associated with better diet quality and BMI. Vegan, vegetarian, and WFPB diets are often grouped as 'plant-based diets' despite the differing diet compositions, diet quality, adherence, and BMI of followers-thus, grouping them may distort findings. Individuals may benefit from encouragement following a fully plant-based diet, even without perfect adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzannah Gerber
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA; The Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, One Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Paul F Jacques
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA; The Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University, 711 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Kara Livingston Staffier
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine, 1100 Town & Country Commons Dr Suite 6432, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA.
| | - Micaela C Karlsen
- American College of Lifestyle Medicine, 1100 Town & Country Commons Dr Suite 6432, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, USA; Applied Nutrition and Global Public Health Programs, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Rd, Biddeford, ME, 04005, USA.
| | - Susan B Roberts
- The Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, One Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
| | - Sara C Folta
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Christina D Economos
- Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA, 02111, USA.
| | - Nicola M McKeown
- College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences, Sargent College, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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Riechers R, Warschburger P. Psychometric properties of a German translation of the Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) among adults in Germany. Body Image 2025; 52:101853. [PMID: 39889362 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2025.101853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2024] [Revised: 01/15/2025] [Accepted: 01/21/2025] [Indexed: 02/03/2025]
Abstract
The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS; Alleva et al., 2017) is a widely used instrument to measure appreciation for what the body is able to do. However, it has yet to be translated and validated for use in German-speaking populations. The aim of the present work therefore was to validate a German translation of the FAS following the EFA-to-CFA approach. Results of this validation in a representative sample with N = 2570 participants (1300 women, 1270 men) and a community sample with N = 466 participants (371 women, 95 men) indicate good psychometric properties and support the factorial validity, measurement invariance across women and men, construct validity (through associations with body appreciation, body dissatisfaction, self-esteem, mindfulness, intuitive eating, restrained eating, drive for thinness, and risk for disordered eating), incremental validity, internal consistency and preliminarily support the 2-4 week test-retest reliability of the German FAS. A qualitative analysis of participant feedback on understanding and subjective response difficulty provided additional support for the validity of the German translation of the FAS. Overall, the FAS is a suitable instrument for measuring functionality appreciation in adults from Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Riechers
- Department of Psychology, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
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Augimeri G, Marchese M, Plastina P, Bonofiglio D. Examining Associations Among Orthorexia Nervosa and Anthropometric Factors and Lifestyle Habits in an Italian University Community. Nutrients 2025; 17:537. [PMID: 39940400 PMCID: PMC11819917 DOI: 10.3390/nu17030537] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2025] [Accepted: 01/30/2025] [Indexed: 02/16/2025] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterized by an obsession with rigid dietary rules, which leads to an emphasis being placed on food purity and health. Exploring the prevalence rates and understanding the potential risk factors associated with ON is essential for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies. This study investigated the prevalence of ON and examined different variables in associations to enhance our knowledge of their impact on ON tendency. METHODS A sample of 500 participants, including 357 women and 143 men, aged between 20 and 60, from an Italian university community was recruited to complete an online survey assessing ON, using the 15-item self-report measure ORTO-15, and Mediterranean diet adherence and lifestyle habits using the Mediterranean Diet Adherence Screener (MEDAS) and the Mediterranean Lifestyle Index (MEDLIFE) questionnaires, respectively. Student's t-test, ANOVA, chi-squared test, and multiple linear regressions were used for analyses. RESULTS We found that MEDAS and MEDLIFE scores were statistically higher in males than in females, while the ORTO-15 score was significantly lower in females than in males. In the total, ON prevalence was 19.8% (women = 16.08% and men = 21.28%). Multiple regression analyses on the ORTO-15 score and different variables showed that in our population sample, ON was associated with female sex (β = -2.98; p = 4 × 10-6) and the body mass index (BMI) (β = -0.41; p = 6.71 × 10-7). When adjusting for sex and the BMI, the resulting ORTO-15 score was associated with health science faculty attendance (β = 1.26, p = 0.003), following a food plan (β = -3.14; p = 1 × 10-7) and carrying out physical activity (β = -1.20; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS This study identified the importance of several factors for ON focusing on lifestyle habits that clinicians should consider when assessing patients at risk for eating disorders. Further studies are warranted to better define the diagnostic criteria of ON and develop effective prevention and intervention strategies to promote a healthy relationship with food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Augimeri
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (G.A.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Martina Marchese
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (G.A.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Pierluigi Plastina
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (G.A.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
| | - Daniela Bonofiglio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (G.A.); (M.M.); (P.P.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, CS, Italy
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Rzeszutek M, Kowalkowska J, Dragan M, Schier K, Lis-Turlejska M, Holas P, Drabarek K, Van Hoy A, Maison D, Wdowczyk G, Litwin E, Wawrzyniak J, Znamirowska W, Szumiał S, Desmond M. Adverse childhood experiences and profiles of healthy orthorexia versus orthorexia nervosa: towards an explanatory model of orthorexia as a multidimensional eating style. Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:65. [PMID: 39377896 PMCID: PMC11461608 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01694-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/09/2024] Open
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.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joanna Kowalkowska
- Faculty of Food Science, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Olsztyn, Poland
| | | | | | - Maja Lis-Turlejska
- Faculty of Psychology, SWPS University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Holas
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Szymon Szumiał
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Desmond
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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Guidotti S, Fiduccia A, Murgolo M, Pruneti C. Comparison between Physical Activity and Stress-Related Lifestyle between Orthorexic and Non-Orthorexic University Students: A Case-Control Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1340. [PMID: 38732586 PMCID: PMC11085458 DOI: 10.3390/nu16091340] [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: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
(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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Guidotti
- Clinical Psychology, Clinical Psychophysiology and Clinical Neuropsychology Laboratory, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (A.F.); (M.M.); (C.P.)
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Boutin C, Maïano C, Aimé A. Relation between orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia: A latent profile analysis. Appetite 2024; 194:107165. [PMID: 38103792 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107165] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Orthorexic eating behaviors can be conceptualized as a bidimensional construct encompassing an orthorexia nervosa dimension (ON) and a healthy orthorexia dimension (HO). Although variable-centered studies showed that ON and HO are distinguishable orthorexic eating behaviors, the evidence of whether they can co-occur or be distinct in subgroups of individuals is still limited. The present study aimed to address previous person-centered studies' limitations by examining profiles of ON and HO among a convenience sample of 251 French-speaking Canadian adults (85.7% women; Mage = 33.56). Profile membership was examined as function of participants characteristics such as age, gender, body mass index, frequency of physical activity and sports and vegetarianism. The relation between profile membership, intuitive eating and disordered eating attitudes and behaviors was also assessed. Latent profile analysis (LPA) were used to estimate profiles of ON and HO. Results from LPA did not provide support for the distinguishability of ON and HO. Indeed, they revealed the presence of two profiles showing co-occurring levels of ON and HO that only differed quantitatively: low (68.9% of the sample; low levels of ON and HO) or moderate orthorexic eating behaviors (31.1%; moderate levels of ON and HO). Participants who declared being vegetarian and being more frequently involved in physical activities and sports were more likely to belong to the moderate orthorexic eating behaviors' profile. Finally, participants from the moderate orthorexic eating behaviors' profile showed higher levels of disordered eating attitudes and behaviors, whereas those from the low orthorexic eating behaviors' profile showed higher levels of intuitive eating. Findings from the present study question the distinguishability of ON and HO dimensions. They also suggest that, similarly to ON, HO is also related to higher eating and lifestyle preoccupations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Boutin
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Canada
| | - Christophe Maïano
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Canada; Cyberpsychology Laboratory and Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO|Campus de Saint-Jérôme), Saint-Jérôme, Canada.
| | - Annie Aimé
- Department of Psychoeducation and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, Canada
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Barlow IU, Lee E, Saling L. Orthorexia nervosa versus healthy orthorexia: Anxiety, perfectionism, and mindfulness as risk and preventative factors of distress. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2024; 32:130-147. [PMID: 37670425 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthorexia nervosa is a recently conceptualised pathological entity presenting as an obsessive focus on healthy eating with associated psychosocial impairment. AIMS The present study investigated the differential associations between orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia with distress and impairment. MATERIALS & METHODS With a community sample (N = 268) multiple measures of orthorexia nervosa and health orthorexia were compared as explanatory variables in mediation structural equation modelling (SEM). Outcome variables assessed and investigated were psychological distress while demographic variables were controlled. The mediating roles of perfectionism and health anxiety on orthorexia nervosa were examined with further preventative mediation role of mindfulness on distress. RESULTS Distinctive to other eating disorders, gender showed no significant effects on orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia. Signalling measurement issues for this disorder, the different measures of orthorexia nervosa resulted in mixed findings regarding body mass index and age. Findings supported perfectionism and health anxiety as risk factors, as well as mindfulness acceptance as a preventative factor in both orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia. Orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia assessed by most measures, contrary to the expectations, had significant positive associations with psychological distress indicated by stress, anxiety, and depression. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION The complexity in differentiating orthorexia nervosa from healthy orthorexia calls for further investigation. This research effort should serve to substantiate the status of orthorexia nervosa as a distinct clinical disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Uma Barlow
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Eunro Lee
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lauren Saling
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
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Horovitz O, Argyrides M. Orthorexia and Orthorexia Nervosa: A Comprehensive Examination of Prevalence, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Nutrients 2023; 15:3851. [PMID: 37686883 PMCID: PMC10490497 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Horovitz
- The Physiology and Behavior Laboratory, Tel-Hai Academic College, 9977 North Districts, Qiryat Shemona 1220800, Israel
- Psychology Department, Tel-Hai Academic College, 9977 North Districts, Qiryat Shemona 1220800, Israel
| | - Marios Argyrides
- Psychology Department, Neapolis University Pafos, 2 Danais Avenue, Paphos 8042, Cyprus;
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Anastasiades E, Argyrides M. Exploring the role of positive body image in healthy orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa: A gender comparison. Appetite 2023; 185:106523. [PMID: 36871603 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
Current scholarship on orthorexia nervosa remains undecided about the role of body image in this novel eating disorder. This study aimed to explore the role of positive body image in differentiating between healthy orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa and assess how this might differ for men and women. A total of 814 participants (67.1% women; age M = 40.30, SD = 14.50) completed the Teruel Orthorexia scale, as well as measures of embodiment, intuitive eating, body appreciation and functionality appreciation. A cluster analysis revealed four distinct profiles characterized by high healthy orthorexia and low orthorexia nervosa; low healthy orthorexia and low orthorexia nervosa; low healthy orthorexia and high orthorexia nervosa; and high healthy orthorexia and high orthorexia nervosa. A MANOVA identified significant differences for positive body image between these four clusters, as well as that there were no significant differences between men and women for healthy orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa, despite men scoring significantly higher than women on all measures of positive body image. Cluster × gender interaction effects were found for intuitive eating, functionality appreciation, body appreciation and experience of embodiment. These findings indicate that the role of positive body image in healthy orthorexia and orthorexia nervosa may differ for men and women, making these relationships worthy of further exploration.
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A Systematic Review of Clinical Psychophysiology of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders: Does the Obsession with Diet Also Alter the Autonomic Imbalance of Orthorexic Patients? Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030755. [PMID: 36771463 PMCID: PMC9919612 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: A new mental illness is attracting the attention of researchers and mental health professionals. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is a possible new mental disorder, the main symptom of which is an obsessive and insecure focus on healthy foods and consequent compulsive behaviors. There is a common consensus among researchers that ON is considered partly overlapping with obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCDs). (2) Methods: MEDLINE and Scopus were searched for articles published in the last 10 years regarding the psychophysiological aspects of OCD and ON. Eight studies met the eligibility criteria. The inclusion criteria encompassed adults diagnosed with OCD and/or ON. However, only studies involving OCD patients were found. (3) Results: Some research groups have shown that OCD disorders can be considered among anxiety disorders because they are characterized by anxious hyper activation. Other research, however, has shown profiles characterized by low psychophysiological reactivity to stressful stimuli. Despite this, there seems to be a consensus on the poor inhibition abilities, even when activation is low, and the dissociation between cognitive and psychophysiological activation emerged. (4) Conclusions: However discordant, some points seem to bring the researchers to agreement. In fact, there is consensus on conducting a multidimensional assessment that can measure all of the aspects of suffering (cognition, emotion, and behavior) and highlight the poor body-mind integration. This clinical approach would make it possible to propose interventions aimed at treating some mental illnesses such as food obsession that can paradoxically impair the psychophysical balance. Nevertheless, the applied systematizing approach to existing studies on ON is very much needed for better understanding of the psychophysical nature of this new mental illness and its implications for prevention and treatment.
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Argyrides M, Anastasiades E. Intuitive eating in Greek-Cypriot adults: Influence of gender and body mass. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1033720. [PMID: 36506965 PMCID: PMC9731100 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1033720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction To date, research on eating behaviors has largely taken a pathological approach. Researchers are increasingly taking a positive approach to explore adaptive eating styles. One such style that has recently received much research attention is intuitive eating. Recent work examining intuitive eating and its relationships with body mass and gender has yielded mixed findings. The current study explored the differential effects of gender and body mass on intuitive eating scores in a sample of Greek-Cypriot adults. Method A total of 1,312 adult participants (women n = 655; M age = 34.49) completed the Intuitive Eating Scale-2 and provided demographic information. Results Our analyses revealed that men reported significantly higher intuitive eating scores than women. Body mass was significantly inversely associated with intuitive eating in both men and women. Additionally, a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated significant interaction effects between gender and body mass on intuitive eating. These interaction effects were explored for each of the four subscales of intuitive eating, identifying differential associations for intuitive eating and BMI between men and women. Discussion Both gender and body mass are important factors which influence intuitive eating levels in Greek-Cypriot adults. Discussions of how these findings can inform future research, theory and practice are presented.
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