Presentation Title
When healthy eating is unhealthy: Orthorexia Nervosa and health outcomes
Panel Name
Brain Function and Mental Health: New Approaches in Technology, Psychology, and Neuroscience
Location
Lecture Center 6
Start Date
3-5-2019 3:15 PM
End Date
3-5-2019 4:30 PM
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Academic Major
Psychology
Abstract
Abstract: The purpose of the research is to gain a more clear understanding of the new and emerging disorder known as orthorexia nervosa. Orthorexia nervosa has proven to be a controversial topic within the health field. Researchers are still grappling with whether or not the disease is an eating disorder in itself or a disordered eating behavior that is obsessive-compulsive in nature. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterized as having an intense obsession with foods that an individual deems to be pure and free of harm. Individuals with (ON) may exclude foods from their diet that contain pesticides, additives and artificial substances, genetically modified organisms, etc. In an attempt to remain optimally healthy, behaviors and preferences such as these are masked as being positive. However, such strict adherence often lends its way to a negatively impacted quality of life. I believe that an increase in transparency within the food industry, as well as a rise in our society’s desire to be fit and healthy may provoke the likelihood for an individual to develop (ON). As of now, my goal is to review the existing literature and determine its prevalence and possible implications for diagnosis in populations around the world.
Keywords: orthorexia nervosa, eating disorder, disordered eating behavior
Select Where This Work Originated From
Independent Study
First Faculty Advisor
Dr. Jessica Martin
First Advisor Email
jlmartin@albany.edu
First Advisor Department
Counseling Psychology Department
When healthy eating is unhealthy: Orthorexia Nervosa and health outcomes
Lecture Center 6
Abstract: The purpose of the research is to gain a more clear understanding of the new and emerging disorder known as orthorexia nervosa. Orthorexia nervosa has proven to be a controversial topic within the health field. Researchers are still grappling with whether or not the disease is an eating disorder in itself or a disordered eating behavior that is obsessive-compulsive in nature. Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is characterized as having an intense obsession with foods that an individual deems to be pure and free of harm. Individuals with (ON) may exclude foods from their diet that contain pesticides, additives and artificial substances, genetically modified organisms, etc. In an attempt to remain optimally healthy, behaviors and preferences such as these are masked as being positive. However, such strict adherence often lends its way to a negatively impacted quality of life. I believe that an increase in transparency within the food industry, as well as a rise in our society’s desire to be fit and healthy may provoke the likelihood for an individual to develop (ON). As of now, my goal is to review the existing literature and determine its prevalence and possible implications for diagnosis in populations around the world.
Keywords: orthorexia nervosa, eating disorder, disordered eating behavior