An unhealthy health behavior: analysis of orthorexic tendencies among Hungarian gym attendees

Abstract

Aim: In the present study, we aim to assess the prevalence and certain psychological and other correlates of orthorexic tendencies: health and exercise behaviors and demographic variables among gym attendees in Hungary. Methods: Altogether, responses of 207 gym attendees who filled out an online questionnaire (03/2017–10/2017) were analyzed. The mean age was 31.9 years; most were female and college educated, and about half resided in the capital city. Frequencies and means were calculated for the sample; and univariate linear regression and ANOVA were carried out. Finally, multivariate linear regression was used to assess the relationship between the dependent variable (Orto-11-Hu) and the independent variables (Eating Disorder Inventory, Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Inventory, health and exercise habits, and demographics). Results: The mean score for the Orto-11-Hu was 27.7. In the multivariate analysis, two eating disorder characteristics (drive for thinness and interpersonal distrust), age, exercising more than once a day, and yoga practice were significantly associated with higher orthorexic tendencies. There was a lack of correlation between any obsessive–compulsive traits. Conclusions: Our data suggest and overlap between certain eating disorder traits, and a link between ON and frequent exercising and younger age. Further research is needed to investigate whether these correlates are found not only in a specific fitness-oriented population, but also in the general population. Level of evidence: Level V, descriptive cross-sectional study.