Orthorexia Nervosa: Prevalence and Associated Factors in Individuals Attending a Diet Outpatient Clinic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterized by an excessive preoccupation with consuming healthy foods, which may lead to dietary restrictions, psychological distress, and social isolation. Despite its increasing recognition, ON is not yet formally classified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), and its prevalence among individuals seeking dietary guidance remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of ON and its associated factors among individuals attending a diet outpatient clinic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Yalova Governmental Hospital Outpatient Diet Polyclinic. A total of 265 participants were recruited using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected through a socio-demographic questionnaire and the ORTO-15 Scale, a validated tool for assessing ON tendencies. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0, with chi-square tests and ANOVA applied to examine relationships between ON and Body Mass Index (BMI). A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The prevalence of ON among participants was 17%, exceeding the rates reported in the general population. No significant relationship was found between BMI and ON tendencies (p = 0.27), supporting previous research suggesting that ON is more concerned with food quality than body image. Demographic analysis revealed that ON prevalence was higher among females and those with higher educational attainment. Participants relied primarily on mass media and dietitians for nutritional information, indicating potential influences on dietary behaviors. Conclusions: This study highlights a high prevalence of ON among individuals seeking dietary counseling, underscoring the need for increased awareness and specific diagnostic criteria for ON. The absence of a correlation between BMI and ON supports the distinction of ON from other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Multidisciplinary interventions involving dietitians, psychologists, and medical professionals are recommended to provide comprehensive care. Future research should explore longitudinal patterns of ON and assess the effectiveness of treatment modalities.