Relationship Between Healthy Eating Fixation (Orthorexia) and Past Family Life, and Eating Attitudes in Young Adults

BackgroundIn comparison to other eating problems, there is less information on healthy eating fixation (HEF) in the literature.PurposeUnderstanding the effects of previous family experiences, which have a multidimensional impact on the individual and on other eating disorders, is important to better comprehend the HEF.MethodsThe current study examined the relationships between HEF and previous family experiences as well as eating attitudes. It is a cross-sectional survey design with a convenience sample of 18-24-year-olds (n = 225) based on a quantitative analysis method.ResultsExcept for "limited social activity," a sub-factor significantly related to HEF, and "health and social problems," a sub-factor significantly related to healthy orthorexia (HO), both HEF and HO did not significantly relate to past family life. The outcomes showed that the participants' eating attitudes had a significant relationship with HEF (r = .57, p < .001) and HO (r = .23, p = .001).DiscussionThe findings suggest that people with HEF have disordered eating attitudes. Furthermore, practitioners should be aware that family factors may be a risk factor for orthorexia.Translations to Health Education PracticeThese results may help to educate and increase awareness among health educators and mental health professionals regarding the identification, treatment, and recovery of eating disorders and HEF.