Orthorexia and Eating Disorders in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review
Panagiota Skella,
Maria Eleni Chelmi,
Eleni Panagouli,
Anastasia Garoufi,
Theodora Psaltopoulou,
George Mastorakos,
Theodoros N. Sergentanis,
Artemis Tsitsika
Affiliations
Panagiota Skella
Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Maria Eleni Chelmi
Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Eleni Panagouli
Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Anastasia Garoufi
Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Theodora Psaltopoulou
Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
George Mastorakos
Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Theodoros N. Sergentanis
Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Artemis Tsitsika
Strategies of Developmental and Adolescent Health, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 115 28 Athens, Greece
Background: In recent years a new term in the field of eating behaviors has emerged, namely “orthorexia”. This behavior is associated with significant dietary restrictions and omission of food groups. The aim of the present study is to estimate the possible correlations between orthorexia and eating disorders in young adults and adolescents. Methods: A systematic review of related articles in PubMed, Google Scholar, and PsycInfo was conducted up to 30 June 2021. Results: A total of 37 studies (16,402 subjects) were considered eligible for this systematic review. Significant correlations were observed in most of the studies between orthorexia and eating disorders. However, the majority of studies adopted a cross-sectional design. Conclusions: An association between and eating disorders emerged. Prospective studies seem necessary to investigate associations and succession of orthorexia and eating disorders over time.
