Examining Associations Among Orthorexia Nervosa and Anthropometric Factors and Lifestyle Habits in an Italian University Community

By:
Giuseppina Augimeri,Martina Marchese, Pierluigi Plastina,Daniela Bonofiglio
Date:
2025
Resource type:
Peer review
Link:

This study investigates the prevalence and risk factors associated with Orthorexia Nervosa (ON)—a pathological obsession with healthy eating—among 500 individuals from an Italian university. Using validated tools (ORTO-15, MEDAS, MEDLIFE), the study found a 19.8% ON prevalence (higher in men than women). Women, those following strict food plans, and physically active individuals were more prone to ON tendencies. Attendance in health science faculties was also linked to increased ON scores. The study highlights the role of lifestyle habits, gender, and BMI in ON risk and calls for further research to establish diagnostic criteria and develop effective prevention strategies.

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