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

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.