An Evaluation of Orthorexia Nervosa Tendencies in Relation to Nutritional Knowledge and Anthropometric Measurements in Teachers

Authors : Mutlu Tuçe Ülker, Elif Nur Özen, Bilge Tekin Elkaan, Hatice Sude Uğur, Atakan Yıldırım

Pages : 166-174

View : 109 | Download : 77

Publication Date : 2025-12-24

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Orthorexia nervosa is characterized by an obsession with healthy eating and an excessive focus on strict food quality standards, food preparation, and dietary norms. Individuals\\\' efforts to access safe foods for health reasons can lead to the development of eating disorders, particularly orthorexia nervosa. This study aimed to assess teachers\\\' tendencies toward orthorexia nervosa and its impact on their nutrition knowledge, food preferences, and anthropometric measurements. The study was conducted in a cross-sectional design with 200 teachers from various branches from Çengelköy Final Schools in Istanbul between January and May 2024. The Teruel Orthorexia Scale (TOS), which evaluates orthorexia tendencies, and the Nutrition Knowledge Level Scale for Adults (YETBID), which measures nutrition knowledge, were administered face-to-face by the researchers. Additionally, anthropometric measurements, including height, body weight, and body mass index (BMI), were recorded. The results indicated that female teachers exhibited higher tendencies toward orthorexia; however, no significant relationship was found between these tendencies and anthropometric measurements. Teachers\\\' nutrition knowledge levels were deemed moderate, but no significant association was observed between orthorexia tendencies and nutrition knowledge. These findings suggest that female teachers may be more susceptible to orthorexia, and factors beyond nutrition knowledge and anthropometric measurements may play a role in this condition. Further research is needed to investigate additional variables that may influence orthorexia tendencies within this population.
Keywords : Antropometrik ölçüm, beslenme bilgisi, ortoreksiya nervoza, yeme alışkanlıkları

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