Exploring the Link between Mindful Eating, Instagram Engagement, and Eating Disorders: A Focus on Orthorexia Nervosa

Abstract

Mindful eating is an increasingly popular dietary practice that may mediate the symptomatology of eating disorders. Orthorexia nervosa is a recently proposed eating disorder characterized by excessive concern for body image, healthy eating, and calorie control. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between mindful eating, Instagram engagement, and eating disorders, with a focus on orthorexia nervosa. This cross-sectional study involving 407 adults explored the interplay between mindful eating, psychological distress, and eating disorders, notably orthorexia nervosa and their association with Instagram use. The data extraction and analysis were conducted employing SPSS v28 and R-Statistics. Utilizing Mindful Eating Scale (MES-16), Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire Short (EDE-QS), Orthorexia Nervosa Questionnaire-Revised (ORTO-R), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) validated scales, alongside inquiries into Instagram usage, significant correlations emerged. MES-16 demonstrated a robust negative association with both EDE-QS (r = −0.501, p p p p p < 0.05). These findings suggest a negative link between mindful eating with eating disorders and orthorexia nervosa, highlighting mindful eating’s potential role in reducing orthorexia nervosa tendencies. Furthermore, Instagram use seems associated with psychological distress and elevated orthorexia nervosa levels.

Keywords

• mindful eating
• orthorexia nervosa
• eating disorders
• Instagram
• mental health
• body image