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Is orthorexic behavior common in the general public? A large representative study in Germany
Claudia Luck-Sikorski1,2, Franziska Jung3, Katharina Schlosser3
1Integrated Research and Treatment Center (IFB) Adiposity Diseases, University Hospital Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 27, 04103, Leipzig, Germany. claudia.luck-sikorski@srh.de.
Eating and Weight Disorders : EWD
|March 23, 2018
Summary
Orthorexia nervosa affects 6.9% of the population, particularly those with lower education, vegetarian diets, and depression. This strict eating pattern is linked to psychological distress.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Nutritional Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Orthorexia nervosa is a restrictive eating pattern focused on healthy eating, often causing significant life impairment.
- Previous prevalence estimates vary due to inconsistent assessment methods.
- Determinants and prevalence in large representative populations remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of orthorexic behavior in a representative German population.
- To investigate the sociodemographic and psychological determinants of orthorexia nervosa.
Main Methods:
- A population-based telephone survey was conducted with 1007 participants in Germany.
- The Dusseldorf Orthorexia Scale (DOS) was used to assess orthorexic behavior (cutoff score of 30).
- Multivariate regression analysis examined associations with BMI, depressive symptoms (PHQ), and sociodemographic variables.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of orthorexic behavior was 6.9%.
- Higher rates were observed in individuals with lower educational attainment, vegetarian diets, and depressive symptoms.
- No significant gender or age differences were found.
Conclusions:
- Orthorexic behavior is associated with psychological distress and strain.
- Further research and new diagnostic instruments are needed to clarify the clinical significance and pathological criteria for orthorexia nervosa.
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