Psychometric Properties of Various Factorial Models of the ORTO-15 Tested With Brazilian Respondents.

The ORTO-15 is a commonly used screening instrument for symptoms of Orthorexia Nervosa (ON), an obsessive overconcern with healthy eating. However, its limitations have been evidenced in several published factorial models. We analyzed the psychometric properties of seven different ORTO-15 factorial models using data from Brazilian adult participants (n = 1455; 71.4% women; M age = 29.5, SD = 8.9 years) from the country's five macro-regions who answered online questions for sample characterization and completed the Portuguese version of the ORTO-15 containing 15 items. We tested the fit of each model separately, analyzing data for men and women with separate confirmatory factor analysis, and using the Weighted Least Squares Mean and Variance Adjusted estimation method and goodness-of-fit indices. We also calculated the average variance extracted and the alpha ordinal and omega coefficients to analyze the convergent validity and reliability of the factors. None of the models tested presented adequate properties of validity and reliability. Although we found some acceptable reliability coefficients, they do not guarantee the validity of the data. Future investigators should be cautious when choosing the ORTO-15 for ON screening.

Síndrome ortoréxico y perfeccionismo

Introducción: Existe una creciente evidencia investigativa sobre la relación entre el síndrome ortoréxico y el perfeccionismo. Objetivo: Se efectúa un análisis descriptivo interpretativo e integrador acerca de la relación entre el perfeccionismo con la ortorexia nerviosa, destacando los aspectos clínicos, etiopatogénicos y nosológicos. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sobre la relación entre el síndrome ortoréxico y el perfeccionismo mediante las bases de datos Medline/PubMed, SciELO y textos especializados. Resultados: El término ortorexia se ha concebido como una fijación patológica hacia una alimentación equilibrada y saludable (Bratman, 1997), implicando restricciones dietéticas drásticas, con interferencia significativa en las relaciones sociales e insatisfacciones afectivas, que, además favorecen la conducta alimentaria desadaptativa. Etiopatogénicamente, existe controversia respecto a si es un mero estilo de vida, o puede incluirse definitivamente como un trastorno en los espectros alimentario u obsesivo-compulsivo. De hecho, posee similitudes, diferencias e incluso traslapes con ambas entidades psicopatológicas. Se destaca como rasgo relevante común, el perfeccionismo, orientado hacia sí mismo, hacía los demás, y socialmente prescrito, que favorece la tendencia a desarrollar conductas ortoréxicas elevadas. Conclusiones: El perfeccionismo surge como una característica sobresaliente, positivamente correlacionada con el síndrome ortoréxico, cuya presencia se superpone con los ámbitos, tanto alimentario (especialmente la anorexia nerviosa) como obsesivo-compulsivo.

Background: There is a growing research evidence on the relationship between orthorexic syndrome and perfectionism. Objective: An interpretive and integrative descriptive analysis on the relationship between perfectionism and orthorexia nervosa, highlighting the clinical, etiopathogenic and nosological aspects is carried through. Method: A bibliographic search on the relationship between orthorexic syndrome and perfectionism using the Medline/PubMed, SciELO and specialized text databases was carried out. Results: The term orthorexia has been conceived as a pathological fixation towards a balanced and healthy diet (Bratman, 1997), implying drastic dietary restrictions, with significant interference in social relationships and affective dissatisfactions, which also favor maladaptive eating behavior. From an etiopathogenic perspective, it is controversial if orthorexia nervosa is a mere lifestyle, or definitively must be included as a disorder in the eating or obsessive-compulsive spectrum. In fact, the orthorexic syndrome has similarities, differences and even overlaps with both psychopathological entities. Perfectionism stands out as a common relevant trait, oriented towards oneself, towards others, and socially prescribed, which favors a tendency to develop high orthorectic behaviors. Conclusions: Perfectionism emerges as an outstanding characteristic, positively correlated with the orthorexic syndrome, overlapping with both eating (especially anorexia nervosa) and obsessive-compulsive areas.

Associations between Orthorexia Nervosa, Body Self-Image, Nutritional Beliefs, and Behavioral Rigidity.

Possible correlations between orthorexic self-reports, unhealthy nutritional beliefs, behavioral rigidity related to following rules, and distortion of body self-image were investigated. In total, 246 university students of both sexes, from different areas of knowledge, answered a sociodemographic form, the Ortho-15, the Body Shape Questionnaire, the Rigidity Scale, and a Nutritional Beliefs Form. Orthorexic self-reports were observed in 73 men and 106 women. A positive correlation was found between females and orthorexic self-reports (p = 0.036), and severe distortion of body self-image (p = 0.002) and between the latter, the behavioral rigidity scale (p2 = 0.189; p = 0.001), and female sex (p2 = 0.245; p < 0.000). In the logistic regression, women were 1.83 times more likely to present orthorexic behaviors than men. The creation of prevention and treatment strategies aimed at women is suggested and it recommended that studies investigating whether the presence of orthorexic self-reports is a risk factor for the development of eating disorders are carried out.

Orthorexia nervosa risk and associated factors among Chilean nutrition students: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterized by an excessive, obsessive concern with healthy eating generating psychological complications and even malnutrition at a caloric and protein level. Current evidence suggests that people with greater food knowledge are the most likely to be affected, placing nutrition students as a populational risk group. Since there are no nationwide studies dealing with orthorexia nervosa in this risk group, the present pilot study intends to identify risk factors for orthorexia nervosa in a sample of Nutrition and Dietetics students in Chile. METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional pilot study was done on 90 Nutrition and Dietetics students from a Chilean university, representing 70% of its population. The ORTHO-11-ES instrument was applied to determine ON risk, along with consulting about attitudinal, physical-clinical and social variables. Statistical tests were performed in GraphPad PRISM 8.0®, applying probability ratios and personal correlation, between the sociodemographic variables and the risk of orthorexia nervosa. This study was approved by the university Ethics Committee based on the Helsinki Declaration. RESULTS: 23.3% of the studied population was at risk of suffering ON. Associated variables were being in the second year of their major (OR 2.22), coming from a charter school (OR 3.00) and cohabitation being limited to ≤ 1 person (OR 2.47). Particularly, declared physical activity limits are associated to the risk of suffering ON (Sedentary OR 2.42, Heavy OR 3.53), as well as time spent on the social network Instagram (< 1 h OR 2.77, > 3 h OR 1.80). CONCLUSIONS: There is an ON risk prevalence of 23.3% in the present pilot sample under study, indicating that years of study, cohabitation, secondary educational establishment, physical activity and Instagram use constitute associated factors for the studied condition. Some results vary from international evidence, describing a dual nature in the variables for Instagram time and declared physical activity for ON risk. This study needs replication in more representative samples and longitudinal character with control groups which can confirm the studied elements as ON risk factors. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is an expression created to indicate a possible new eating disorder characterized by excessive and obsessive preoccupation with healthy eating. Some of its most distinctive traits include marked anxiety over food, exaggerated fear over the appearance of some diseases and shame about physical appearance. This ultimately impacts food choice, planning, acquisition, preparation and consumption, creating psychological complications along with some associated with malnutrition. Considering that Nutrition students are an at-risk group, the present pilot study evaluated its prevalence and associated factors in a specific sample in Chile. Conditions associated with the risk of orthorexia nervosa identified in the present study include: number of hours spent using Instagram, limited cohabitation, extreme physical activity, and number of years in the major. These results should be taken cautiously, with their association confirmed in follow-up studies.

Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa and Its Diagnostic Tools-A Literature Review.

The aim of this article is to present the up-to-date diagnostic tools of orthorexia and markers of its prevalence on the basis of the available literature. The authors searched PubMedCentral (PMC) and Google Scholar with the search entry of "orthorexia", "orthorexia nervosa", and "orthorexicbehaviours". We describe the tools of evaluation of orthorexicbehaviour (i.e., orthorexia self-test-BOT, the ORTO-15 questionnaire, Eating Habits Questionnaire-EHQ, Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale-DOS, Teruel Orthorexia Scale-TOS, Barcelona Orthorexia Scale-BOS, and Orthorexia Nervosa Inventory-ONI), and offer a review of the studies on orthorexia nervosa. We conclude that there are no reliable data regarding the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa. The available studies point to significant differences in the prevalence depending on the value of cut-off points and tools used. The prevalence varies across countries and across populations, ranging from 6.9% in the Italian population to 88.7% in the group of Brazilian students of dieting. Thus, it indicates that some groups seem to be susceptible to the risk of ON more than others. It is a challenge to determine the prevalence of orthorexia, and any obtained results should be treated with caution. Consequently, we claim that the use of the ORTO-15 questionnaire to diagnose orthorexia is questionable due to a high percentage of falsely positive results.

A Portuguese Adaptation of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale and a Test of Its Utility with Brazilian Young Adults.

The aims for this study were to perform a Portuguese language cross-cultural adaptation of the Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS) and to evaluate the scale's psychometric properties, including verifying the frequency of behaviors characteristic of orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia, among a group of Brazilian gym users. First, we adapted the Spanish version of the TOS to the Brazilian Portuguese language following international protocols to guarantee idiomatic, semantic, conceptual, and cultural equivalence. Then participants completed both the new Portuguese version of the TOS and a socioeconomic questionnaire. Among our sample of 226 young Brazilian adults (63.7% men; M age = 28.8, SD = 5.1 years), we assessed the bi-factorial model of the TOS through factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity, reliability, and factorial invariance. We calculated the mean scores of the TOS factors and the frequency of behaviors of both orthorexia nervosa and healthy orthorexia. The new Portuguese version was well understood by participants, and the TOS bi-factorial model presented adequate psychometric properties and showed invariance in independent subsamples and in men and women. The mean scores were different between sexes only for orthorexia nervosa, with women obtaining higher values. The frequency of orthorexia nervosa behaviors was 5.3% and of healthy orthorexia was 41.2%. Based on these findings, the Brazilian Portuguese version of the TOS can be a useful tool for investigating orthorexia-like behaviors in future research.

Orthorexia, muscle dysmorphia and exercise addiction: comparison between amateur running, fitness functional and bodybuilding athletes / Ortorexia, dismorfia muscular e dependência ao exercício: comparação entre atletas amadores de corrida de rua, functional fitness e bodybuilding

This study aimed to compare the degree of exercise addiction (EA), muscle dysmorphia and signs of orthorexia according to the type of exercise, age, practice time and weekly training frequency. It was a cross-sectional study with 159 (running = 38, Fitness Functional = 85 and bodybuilding = 35), amateur athletes of both sexes, aged over 18 years and with at least 3 months of practice in the exercise. The following instruments were used: Dedication to Exercise Scale, Ortho15 and Complex in Adonis Questionnaire. Data analysis was conducted through Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA), using age as a covariate (p<0.05). The main finding of the present investigation was that individuals who practiced exercise more than 5 times per week presented higher total score of EA, muscle dysmorphia and orthorexia (p<0.05). However, no differences were observed in the total score of EA between sex and type of exercise. It can be concluded that recreational athletes who exercise more than five times per week showed higher EA, orthorexia and muscle dysmorphia. (AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar o grau de dependência de exercícios (DE), dismorfia muscular e sinais de ortorexia de acordo com o tipo de exercício, idade, tempo de prática e frequência semanal de treinamento. Foi um estudo transversal com 159 (corredores = 38, fitness funcional = 85 e musculação = 35), atletas amadores de ambos os sexos, com idade superior a 18 anos e com pelo menos 3 meses de prática no exercício. Foram utilizados os seguintes instrumentos: Escala de Dedicação ao Exercício, Questionário Orto-15 e o Questionário de Complexo em Adônis. A análise dos dados foi realizada por meio da Análise de Covariância (ANCOVA), utilizando a idade como covariável (p<0,05). O principal achado da presente investigação foi que indivíduos que praticavam exercícios mais de 5 vezes por semana apresentaram maior pontuação total de IA, dismorfia muscular e ortorexia (p<0,05). No entanto, não foram observadas diferenças no escore total da DE entre sexo e tipo de exercício. Pode-se concluir que atletas recreativos que se exercitam mais de cinco vezes por semana apresentaram maior DE, ortorexia e dismorfia muscular. (AU)

Ortorexia nerviosa: ¿Un estilo de vida o el surgimiento de un nuevo trastorno alimentario?

RESUMEN Introducción: Numerosos estudios han proporcionado evidencia sobre la ortorexia nerviosa, síndrome caracterizado por un extremo y drástico patrón alimentario saludable, que ha sido foco de creciente interés. Sin embargo, existe un debate científico sobre si es simplemente un fenómeno del comportamiento o un estilo de vida o un trastorno mental. Objetivo: Se realizó un análisis descriptivo de la evidencia acerca de la ortorexia nerviosa en sus aspectos epidemiológicos, nosológicos, clínicos y terapéuticos. Método: Se efectuó una búsqueda bibliográfica narrativa cualitativa sobre ortorexia nerviosa y otros trastornos alimentarios mediante las bases de datos Medline/PubMed, SciELO y en textos especializados. Resultados: Existe controversia si la ortorexia nerviosa es un trastorno alimentario único o una consecuencia del desenlace de éste o un proceso obsesivo-compulsivo. Puede preceder, sobrevenir o coexistir con trastornos alimentarios y también afectar los hábitos del comer. El antecedente de trastorno alimentario es un factor predictivo significativo para el desarrollo de la ortorexia nerviosa. Algunos autores han diferenciado entre una ortorexia orientada hacia el interés en una alimentación sana (ortorexia saludable) y otra relacionada a una preocupación patológica por comer saludablemente (ortorexia nerviosa). Conclusiones: Muchos aspectos psicológicos y conductuales de los trastornos alimentarios son compartidos por los ortoréxicos. Son necesarios estudios longitudinales en el futuro que investiguen la relación temporal entre estos u otros tópicos para incluir a la ortorexia nerviosa dentro del espectro de los trastornos alimentarios.

ABSTRACT Background: Several studies have provided evidence on orthorexia nervosa, a syndrome characterized by an extreme and drastic healthy eating pattern, which has been the focus of growing interest. However, there is a scientific debate as to whether it is simply a behavioural phenomenon, a lifestyle or a mental disorder. Objective: A descriptive analysis of the evidence about orthorexia nervosa: epidemiological, nosological, clinical and therapeutic aspects were discussed. Method: A narrative qualitative bibliographic search on orthorexia nervosa and other eating disorders was carried out using Medline/PubMed, SciELO databases and specialized texts. Results: It is controversial whether orthorexia nervosa is a unique eating disorder or a consequence of its outcome or an obsessive-compulsive process. It can precede, occur, or coexist along with eating disorders and also may affect eating habits. A history of eating disorder is a significant predictive factor for the development of orthorexia nervosa. Some authors have differentiated between an orthorexia oriented towards the interest in a healthy diet (healthy orthorexia) and another related to a pathological concern about eating healthy (orthorexia nervosa). Conclusions: Many psychological and behavioural features of eating disorders are shared by orthorexics. Future longitudinal research is needed to analyse the temporal relationship between these and other issues to include orthorexia nervosa within the spectrum of eating disorders.

The Brazilian version of the DOS for the detection of orthorexia nervosa: transcultural adaptation and validation among dietitians and Nutrition college students.

PURPOSE: Orthorexia nervosa has been receiving considerable attention and several tools have been developed to assess it, for instance, the "Düsseldorf Orthorexie Scale" (DOS). Such scale is a validated test to measure orthorexic eating behavior and it has shown good psychometric properties. Therefore, this study aimed to transculturally adapt and validate the Brazilian version of the DOS (DOS-BR). METHODS: DOS-BR was obtained using the back-translation process after two reviews done by a focus group and after running a pilot-test (n = 64). A self-report questionnaire was administered to a sample of Brazilian dietitians and Nutrition college students (n = 486). To examine the factor structure of the DOS-BR, exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted. The ordinal alpha was examined. Test-retest reliability was evaluated in a sub-sample (n = 159). Convergent validity was assessed by conducting correlation analyses between the DOS-BR and other theoretically related tools (EAT-26 and OCI-R) within the sub-sample. RESULTS: A three-factor structure was revealed for the DOS-BR properly fitted (KMO = 0.787). The test showed good internal consistency with an ordinal alpha of 0.795, and it also had excellent test-retest reliability of 0.776. DOS-BR median score was 17 (14-22) in Measurement 1 and 19 (17-22) in Measurement 2. The total score had a positive and moderate correlation with eating disorders symptoms (0.488) and a positive and weak correlation with obsessive-compulsive symptoms (0.224). CONCLUSION: The DOS-BR was culturally and psychometrically adequate for the samples of Brazilian Nutrition-related subjects. The tool is indicated as a reliable alternative to evaluate orthorexia nervosa in Brazilian scenery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Descriptive (cross-sectional) study, Level V.

When clean eating isn't as faultless: the dangerous obsession with healthy eating and the relationship between Orthorexia nervosa and eating disorders in Mexican University students.

BACKGROUND: Orthorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder that has been scarcely studied in characteristics, causes and symptoms, as well as in consequences and the relationship with other eating disorders. The present study had as its main objective the analysis of said relationship and inquisition of the possibility of predicting the development of an eating disorder from the presence of orthorexia nervosa. Also, it analyzed the differences by sex in Mexican university students. METHODS: The sample consisted of 911 university students (65.4% women and 34.6% men), between an age range of 18 to 28 years old (M = 21 and SD = 1.9). Two questionnaires were responded: the ORTO14MX, a version of the ORTO-15 instrument previously validated in Mexican students, and the EDE-Q in its short version. Besides, sociodemographic data of interest was obtained and used for this study. RESULTS: The Pearson's correlation analysis demonstrated statistically significant relations, from mild to moderate, between the factors that make up both scales, while the linear regression analysis demonstrated that 40% of the variance is explained with the factors from the ORTO-14MX scale in the overall sample for the study. Additionally, statistically significant differences were found between men and women regarding all the subscales conforming the instruments that measured orthorexia and eating disorders. CONCLUSION: These results show a moderate predictive degree, that as promising as it is, isn't conclusive. Likewise, it was confirmed that women are still more vulnerable to develop orthorexia or another eating disorder. It can be concluded that there's a vast necessity for more studies measuring the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and eating disorders, in Latinamerican samples with diverse characteristics in sociocultural backgrounds, and clinical samples.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La ortorexia nervosa es un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria que ha sido poco estudiado, tanto en sus características, causas y síntomas, como en sus consecuencias y en la relación con otros trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar dicha relación e indagar si es posible predecir la aparición de un trastorno de la conducta alimentaria a partir de la presencia de ortorexia nervosa, además de analizar diferencias por sexo en estudiantes universitarios mexicanos. MÉTODO: Participaron en el estudio 911 estudiantes universitarios (65.4% fueron mujeres y el 34.6% hombres), en un rango de edades entre 18 y 28 años (M = 21 y DE = 1.9) que respondieron dos cuestionarios que son: ORTO-14MX, una versión del instrumento ORTO-15 previamente validada en estudiantes mexicanos y el EDE-Q en su versión corta, además de proporcionar algunos datos sociodemográficos de interés para este estudio. RESULTADOS: El análisis de correlación de Pearson reveló relaciones estadísticas significativas de leves a moderadas entre los factores que componen ambas escalas, mientras que el análisis de regresión lineal mostró un que un 40% de la varianza es explicada a partir de los factores que componen la escala ORTO-14MX en la muestra de estudio. Adicionalmente se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre hombres y mujeres con respecto a todas las subescalas de los instrumentos que midieron ortorexia y trastornos de la conducta alimentaria. CONCLUSIONES: Estos resultados mostraron un grado de predicción moderada que sí bien es prometedora, no resulta totalmente concluyente. Asimismo, se confirmó que las mujeres siguen siendo más vulnerables a padecer ortorexia o un TCA. Se concluye la necesidad de continuar estudiando la relación entre la ortorexia y los TCAs, en muestras latinoamericanas con otras características socio demográficas y en población clínica.

Body dissatisfaction, addiction to exercise and risk behaviour for eating disorders among exercise practitioners.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between body dissatisfaction (BD), addiction to exercise and risk behaviors to eating disorders (EDs) among Brazilian exercise practitioners, besides comparing the variables according to sex, age group and modality. METHODS: Participants were 60 exercice practitioners of fitness (n = 44) and crossfit (n = 16), with mean age of 26.58 ± 7.76 years. Data collection was conducted through Eating Attitudes Test-26 (EAT-26), Diagnosis of Orthorexia Questionnaire (ORTO-15), Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and Scale of Dedication to Exercise (SDE). Data analysis was conducted through Kolmogorov-Smirnov and independent t tests, Pearson correlation, and Path Analysis (p < .05). RESULTS: Main results showed the association between BD, addiction to exercise and risk behaviour for EDs. Further, individuals dissatisfied with their bodies showed higher level of addiction to exercise and risk behavior for EDs. Furthermore, women showed higher presence of BD than men, and fitness participants reported higher presence of addiction to exercise than crossfit practitioners. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that BD seems to be a determinant factor for risk behavior for ED's and addiction to exercise among fitness and crossfit particpants.

Consumo alimentar de indivíduos com ortorexia e sua relação com nível de atividade física / Food consumption of individuals with ortorexia and its relationship with physical activity level

Objetivo: Comparar o consumo alimentar entre indivíduos identificados com e sem ortorexia, e suas diferenças em relação ao nível de atividade física. Métodos: Estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 59 indivíduos adultos (30 mulheres e 29 homens), com idade entre 18 e 50 anos, de ambos os sexos. Os participantes foram avaliados e divididos segundo nível e tipo de atividade física (fisicamente ativos: > 150min de exercício por semana). A presença de ortorexia foi avaliada pelo questionário ORTO-15, e o consumo alimentar avaliado por recordatório habitual de um dia. A análise estatística foi feita por teste t Student ou U de Mann-Whitney, para comparação entre os grupos com e sem ortorexia. A comparação dos dados descritos como frequências absolutas e percentuais foi realizada por qui-quadrado. Resultados: A média de idade dos indivíduos avaliados foi de 31, 2 ± 8,9 anos. Houve prevalência de ortorexia de 78%, sendo maior nos indivíduos fisicamente ativos (86% vs 65%; p=0,05). Indivíduos com ortorexia consumiam mais proteínas em relação às gramas por dia, por kg, percentual do valor energético total e kcal (p<0,05); e tinham um consumo mais baixo de carboidratos em relação ao percentual do valor energético total (p<0,05), em comparação aos sem ortorexia. Esse padrão se manteve significativo apenas dentro do grupo fisicamente ativo. Conclusão: Os resultados deste estudo sugerem que a ortorexia pode estar associada à prática de exercício físico e a um comportamento alimentar com maior consumo de proteínas e baixo em carboidratos. (AU)

Objective: To compare food consumption among individuals identified with or without orthorexia, and their differences in relation to the level of physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 59 adult individuals (30 women and 29 men), aged between 18 and 50 years, of both sexes. Participants were assessed and divided about level and type of physical activity (physically active: >150min of exercise per week). Presence of orthorexia was evaluated by ORTO-15 questionnaire, and food consumption was evaluated by a usual one-day recall. Statistical analysis was done by T-Student or Mann-Whitney U Test for comparison between groups with and without orthorexia. Comparison of data described as absolute and percentage frequencies was performed by chi-square. Results: The mean age of the sample evaluated was 31.2 ± 8.9 years. There was a prevalence of orthorexia of 78%, being higher in physically active individuals (86% versus 65%, p = 0.05). Individuals with orthorexia consumed more protein in relation to grams per day, kg, percentage of total energy value and kcal (p <0.05); and had lower intake of carbohydrates than the percentage of total energy value (p <0.05), compared to those without orthorexia. This pattern remained significant only in the physically active group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that orthorexia may be associated with physical exercise and eating behavior with higher intakes of protein and low carbohydrates. (AU)

Ortorexia nervosa em estudantes de nutrição: associações com o estado nutricional, satisfação corporal e período cursado / Orthorexia nervosa in nutrition students: association with nutritional status, body satisfaction and coursed period

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de comportamentos com tendência a ortorexia nervosa (ON) e suas associações com o estado nutricional, satisfação corporal e período cursado em estudantes de nutrição. Métodos Participaram do estudo 141 estudantes (com idade média de 21,5 ± 3,5 anos). A tendência à ON foi avaliada por meio do questionário para identificação da ON (ORTO-15) e a satisfação corporal, pelo Body Shape Questionnaire. A classificação do estado nutricional foi feita pelo IMC (kg.m-2). Associações entre as variáveis foram avaliadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado (p < 0,05). Resultados Comportamentos alimentares com tendência a ON foram identificados em 87,2% dos estudantes. Os estudantes com ON apresentaram mais insatisfação corporal (χ2 = 7,48; p = 0,005) e excesso de peso (χ2 = 6,56; p = 0,010). Não foi observada associação entre a ON e o período cursado. Conclusão Os resultados demonstram que os estudantes de nutrição parecem ser uma população especialmente em risco para tendência à ON, independentemente do período cursado. A maior frequência de estudantes com ON e excesso de peso e insatisfação corporal pode sugerir que tais condições, que comumente cursam com preocupações com alimentação saudável, podem facilitar o início do desenvolvimento de comportamentos alimentares associados a ON.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the prevalence of orthorexia nervosa (ON)'s risky behaviors and their association with nutritional status, body satisfaction and coursed period in nutrition students. Methods The study included 141 students (mean age 21.5 ± 3.5 years). The risk behavior to ON was assessed by using the questionnaire to identify ON (ORTHO-15) and body satisfaction with the Body Shape Questionnaire. The classification of nutritional status was evaluated by BMI (kg.m-2). Association between variables was evaluated by chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results Eating behaviors at risk for ON were identified in 87.2% of students. Students with ON had more body dissatisfaction (χ2 = 7.48; p = 0.005) and overweight (χ2 = 6.56; p = 0.010). No association was observed between the ON and coursed period. Conclusion The results show that Nutrition students seem to be a population at a particular risk for ON, regardless of the coursed period studied. The higher frequency of students with ON and overweight and body dissatisfaction may suggest that such conditions, which commonly occur with concerns about healthy eating, may facilitate the initiation of the development of eating behaviors associated with ON.

Prevalencia de conducta ortoréxica en estudiantes de educación media de Temuco / Prevalence of orthorexic behaviour in high school students of Temuco

This research aims to determine the prevalence of orthorexic behavior in high school students from private and municipal schools located in Temuco, city Chile. The study had a non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional design with a quantitative approach. A non-probabilistic approach was used for selecting the sample, which included 205 students divided into 94 females and 111 males ranging from 16 to 18 years of age. The instrument used is called "ORTHO-15". The results indicate that 30.7% of students presented orthorexic behavior, and its prevalence was higher in the municipal school (35.3%) and men (35.1%). Finally the instrument should be applied in wider populations to confirm the presence of this behavior and eventually report its effects.

La presente investigación, tiene por objetivo medir la prevalencia de conducta ortoréxica en estudiantes de Educación Media de un colegio particular pagado y un establecimiento municipal de la ciudad de Temuco, Chile. El tipo de Investigación contempla un diseño no experimental, descriptivo, transversal, con un enfoque cuantitativo. La muestra fue seleccionada bajo un criterio no probabilístico, que incluyó a 205 estudiantes, distribuidos en 94 mujeres y 111 varones, que se encontraran en el rango de los 16 a 18 años de edad. El instrumento utilizado se denomina "ORTHO-15". Los resultados indican que 30,7% de los sujetos presentaba conducta ortoréxica, el establecimiento con mayor prevalencia corresponde al municipal (35,3%), y los varones obtienen valores más altos (35,1%) respecto a las mujeres (25,5%). Finalmente se sugiere aplicar el instrumento en otras poblaciones más cuantiosas con la intención de confirmar la presencia de esta conducta y eventualmente informar sobre sus efectos.

Ortorexia nervosa: reflexões sobre um novo conceito / Orthorexia nervosa: reflections about a new concept

Ortorexia nervosa é o termo descrito para o comportamento obsessivo patológico caracterizado pela fixação por saúde alimentar. O quadro ainda não foi oficialmente reconhecido como um transtorno alimentar, mas discute-se o conceito, suas características, interações e sintomas. No presente trabalho foi realizada uma revisão dos vinte e um artigos publicados desde 1997, quando o comportamento da ortorexia nervosa foi inicialmente descrito. Foram apontadas semelhanças e diferenças entre o comportamento alimentar observado na ortorexia nervosa e nos transtornos alimentares mais frequentes (anorexia e bulimia nervosa). Um instrumento foi desenvolvido e validado para detecção do quadro ortoréxico. Os estudos apontam alguns grupos vulneráveis à ortorexia nervosa: estudantes de medicina, médicos, nutricionistas, pessoas com sintomas de ansiedade, obsessivo-compulsivos e aqueles que supervalorizam o corpo perfeito. A ortorexia nervosa é situada a partir de uma análise dos conceitos de atitude alimentar e alimentação saudável, procurando um foco biopsicossocial para a alimentação adequada e não apenas um foco fisiológico. Não existem estudos investigativos sobre a ortorexia nervosa no Brasil, mas o tema deve ser discutido para alertar os profissionais da área da saúde sobre a existência desse comportamento inadequado e suas possíveis consequências não só para a saúde física e emocional, mas também para a visão de alimentação saudável.

Orthorexia nervosa is a new term described as an obsessive pathological behavior characterized by fixation on healthy eating. It has not yet been officially recognized as an eating disorder, but its concept, characteristics, interactions and symptoms have been discussed. This work presents a review of the articles published on the theme since 1997, when orthorexic behavior was first described. Similarities and differences between orthorexic behavior and the more common eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are discussed. To date, one instrument was developed and validated to detect orthorexic behavior. Studies indicate that some groups are more vulnerable to orthorexia nervosa: medical students, physicians, dietitians, individuals with anxiety symptoms, obsessive-compulsive individuals and those who overvalue a perfect body. The discussion on orthorexia nervosa is based on analyzing the concepts of eating attitude and healthy eating, and seeks a biopsychosocial focus for proper eating in addition to a physiological focus. To date, there are no studies about orthorexia nervosa in Brazil. Nevertheless, this subject is worthy of discussion since health professionals should be made aware of the existence of this deviant behavior and its possible consequences, not only for someone's physical and emotional health, but also for the understanding of healthy eating.