Orthorexia in a population of Polish university students: prevalence aswell as demographic and psychological risk factors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12923/2353-8627/2025-0003Keywords:
orthorexia, orthorexia nervosa, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disordersAbstract
Introduction: The number of publications on orthorexia is steadily increasing, however little is still known about the psychological risk factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of the risk of orthorexia in a population of students doing various university courses, and to estimate psychological risk factors for orthorexia in this group. The relationships between the risk of orthorexia and demographic factors were also analyzed.
Material and methods: The study was conducted on a group of 447 respondents (350 women, 97 men) aged 17-50 years (mean 22.34). The Polish version of the ORTO-15 scale with a threshold of 35 points was used to estimate the risk of orthorexia.
Results: The risk of orthorexia was identified in 22.6% of the total study group. Gender, the course of study, being in a relationship and body mass index were unrelated to the risk of orthorexia. However, such risk was higher in those from singleparent families and those who exercise more often. The risk of orthorexia was increased by attachment anxiety and overall risk of eating disorders, and decreased by the preference for a physically active lifestyle. Emotional intelligence and perceived social support were unrelated.
Conclusions: The risk of orthorexia is common in the population of Polish students, and is increased by a general tendency for eating disorders, insecurity in close relationships, and being raised in a single-parent family. Those at higher risk of orthorexia engage in physical activity more frequently, although they may derive less pleasure from it.
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