İbrahim DAĞ, Çağlar AKÇALI, Mehmet ÖZYURT, Serap TOPRAK DÖŞLÜ
Acta Medica Ruha - 2026;4(3):99-109
Introduction: Orthorexia nervosa refers to a persistent preoccupation with healthy eating that may become rigid and impairing. Female nutrition and dietetics students may be particularly vulnerable because of professional and social expectations related to health, body weight, and eating practices. Objective: This study aimed to estimate orthorexia risk and identify demographic and eating-related factors independently associated with orthorexic tendencies among female nutrition and dietetics students. Method: This cross-sectional study included 200 female students selected through stratified sampling. Orthorexia risk was assessed using the ORTO-15, while disordered eating attitudes and impaired eating behaviour were evaluated using the EAT-26 and Eating Behaviour Scale. Group comparisons and hierarchical multiple linear regression were performed. Results: Overall, 34.5% of participants met the ORTO-15 criterion for orthorexia risk, 16.0% met the screening criterion for disordered eating attitudes, and 30.0% exhibited impaired eating behaviour. In unadjusted analyses, ORTO-15 scores differed according to age, employment status, and snack-skipping status. In the multivariable model, older age, employment, and higher EAT-26 scores were independently associated with lower ORTO-15 scores, whereas higher BMI was associated with higher ORTO-15 scores. Conclusion: Orthorexic tendencies were common in this sample. Age, BMI, employment status, and EAT-26 scores were independently associated with ORTO-15 scores. These findings support the need for screening and preventive approaches that promote flexible and psychologically sustainable eating practices in nutrition and dietetics education.
