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Examining Associations Between Fasting Behavior, Orthorexia Nervosa, and Eating Disorders
Przemysław Domaszewski1, Aleksandra M Rogowska2, Kaja Żylak1
1Institute of Health Sciences, University of Opole, 45-060 Opole, Poland.
Nutrients
|January 8, 2025
Summary
Fasting is a risk factor for orthorexia nervosa and eating disorders, with orthorexia fully mediating this relationship. This highlights the need for clinicians to assess fasting behaviors in at-risk individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Fasting, orthorexia nervosa, and eating disorders are increasingly prevalent and interconnected.
- Understanding the relationship between these conditions is crucial for risk identification and developing interventions.
- This study aimed to elucidate the interplay between fasting, orthorexia nervosa, and eating disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between fasting behavior, orthorexia nervosa, and eating disorders.
- To determine if orthorexia nervosa mediates the relationship between fasting and eating disorders.
- To identify risk factors for eating disorder symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Poland with 214 participants (aged 16-65).
- Fasting behavior was assessed as the predictor variable.
- Orthorexia nervosa and eating disorder symptoms were measured using validated self-report questionnaires.
Main Results:
- Participants engaging in fasting reported higher levels of orthorexia nervosa and eating disorder symptoms.
- Positive associations were found between fasting, orthorexia nervosa, and eating disorder symptom scales.
- Fasting was identified as a direct and indirect predictor of eating disorder symptoms, with orthorexia nervosa acting as a full mediator.
Conclusions:
- Fasting is a significant risk factor for developing orthorexia nervosa and other eating disorders.
- Orthorexia nervosa fully mediates the relationship between fasting and eating disorders.
- Clinical assessment for patients at risk of eating disorders should include evaluation of fasting practices and orthorexia nervosa symptoms.
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