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

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background In comparison to other eating problems, there is less information on healthy eating fixation (HEF) in the literature. Purpose Understanding 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. Methods The 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. Results Except 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). Discussion The 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 Practice These 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.