Food consumption of individuals with ortorexia and its relationship with physical activity level

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12957/demetra.2020.44043

Keywords:

Eating behavior. Food Consumption. Eating disorder. Orthorexia. Physical Activity.

Abstract

Objective: To compare food consumption among individuals identified with or without orthorexia, and their differences in relation to the level of physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 59 adult individuals (30 women and 29 men), aged between 18 and 50 years, of both sexes. Participants were assessed and divided about level and type of physical activity (physically active: >150min of exercise per week). Presence of orthorexia was evaluated by ORTO-15 questionnaire, and food consumption was evaluated by a usual one-day recall. Statistical analysis was done by T-Student or Mann-Whitney U Test for comparison between groups with and without orthorexia. Comparison of data described as absolute and percentage frequencies was performed by chi-square. Results: The mean age of the sample evaluated was 31.2 ± 8.9 years. There was a prevalence of orthorexia of 78%, being higher in physically active individuals (86% versus 65%, p = 0.05). Individuals with orthorexia consumed more protein in relation to grams per day, kg, percentage of total energy value and kcal (p <0.05); and had lower intake of carbohydrates than the percentage of total energy value (p <0.05), compared to those without orthorexia. This pattern remained significant only in the physically active group. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that orthorexia may be associated with physical exercise and eating behavior with higher intakes of protein and low carbohydrates.

 

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Published

2020-07-31

How to Cite

1.
Dos Santos SK, D’avila HF, Alves FD. Food consumption of individuals with ortorexia and its relationship with physical activity level. DEMETRA [Internet]. 2020 Jul. 31 [cited 2025 Jul. 7];15:e44043. Available from: https://www.e-publicacoes.uerj.br/demetra/article/view/44043

Issue

Section

Food and Nutrition in Collective Health

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