Assessment of the relation between orthorexia nervosa and self-esteem in high school students

Orthorexia Nervosa is a condition characterized by an obsession with healthy eating that can negatively impact an individual's psychosocial functioning. The risk of developing orthorexia nervosa increases during adolescence due to environmental influences like social media and cultural norms. It is indicated that low self-esteem is linked to orthorexia nervosa, causing individuals to potentially use their fixation on healthy eating to seek social acceptance. This study aims to explore the connection between orthorexia nervosa and self-esteem among high school students.

In this cross-sectional study, the Ortho Scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used to assess the relationship between Orthorexia Nervosa tendencies and high school students' self-esteem. The sample was selected through stratified random sampling. Descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multiple linear regression analysis were applied to analyze the data. The effects of variables such as gender, age, body mass index, diet history, physical activity habits, and attitudes towards organic nutrition on Orthorexia Nervosa were assessed using multiple linear regression analysis.

The study's findings revealed a significant relationship between tendencies toward Orthorexia Nervosa and self-esteem. The overall Ortho Scale score was lower among overweight individuals, upper-class students, those dissatisfied with their weight, individuals who had previously dieted, regular exercisers, those who believed in the benefits of organic nutrition, and those with low self-esteem. A significantly small positive correlation was observed between the total score of the Ortho Scale and the total score of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale.

This study showed a strong link between orthorexia nervosa tendencies and self-esteem among high school students. The results suggest that low self-esteem increases the risk of orthorexia nervosa. Additionally, factors such as dieting, dissatisfaction with weight, regular exercise, and beliefs in organic nutrition are associated with tendencies toward orthorexia nervosa.