The need for research on orthorexia nervosa: looking back, looking forward

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
• Eating Disorders Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Orthorexia nervosa (ON) requires further scientific investigation to align with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG Target 9.5) for enhanced research and development.
• The current understanding of ON is limited, necessitating a debate on appropriate research methodologies.
• Existing misinterpretations of ON hinder accurate diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Discussion:

• The paper advocates for a public debate on the types of research essential for advancing the field of orthorexia nervosa.
• It questions whether fundamental, applied, comparative, exploratory, laboratory, longitudinal, or mixed research designs are most suitable for ON studies.
• The authors emphasize the importance of leveraging past research errors to refine future scientific inquiry into ON.

Key Insights:

• A critical need exists for diverse research approaches to comprehensively study orthorexia nervosa.
• Clarifying research methodologies will facilitate a more accurate understanding and effective management of ON.
• Public discourse is crucial for directing future research efforts in the field of ON.

Outlook:

• Future research should focus on establishing robust methodologies for studying orthorexia nervosa.
• Continued exploration into the etiology and clinical presentation of ON is recommended.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration will be vital for advancing ON research and public health initiatives.