Orthorexia Nervosa, a challenging evaluation: analysis of a sample of customers from organic food stores

Abstract

An excessive control of quality of food can turn into Orthorexia Nervosa (ON). The organic store customers (OSCs) can be apopulation at risk for ON. The aims of this study were to assess ON symptoms prevalence among them, comparing them with non-OSCs and investigate potential predictors of ON. Across-sectional survey was carried among 121 OSCs and 119 non-OSCs. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic characteristics and investigated current dietary habits. The main outcome measures used were ORTO-15 and Eating Habits Questionnaire (EHQ). Chi-squared analyses were performed to assess differences between groups (OSCs and non-OSCs). Logistic and linear regressions were performed to evaluate potential predictors of ON symptoms and to compare questionnaires. As main results, OSCs had ahigher probability to result positive at ORTO-15 compared to non-OSCs. The prevalence among OSCs was 69.4% and 23.1% (using ORTO-15 with 40 and 35 cut-offs). Higher EHQ scores were reported among OSCs (p < 0.001). Potential predictors were mainly being an OSC or following food restrictions. Predictors varied using different cut-offsof ORTO-15 and EHQ. These results suggest the association between OSCs and ON symptoms. Some differences were found between ORTO-15 and EHQ. Further studies need to be performed to improve diagnostic tools.

Keywords: Eating disorder; diet; food; healthy diet; organic; vegetarian.