# Assessing Orthorexic Tendencies and Dietary Patterns: A Cross-Sectional Study of Orthorexia Nervosa and Dietary Patterns in Lithuania

## TL;DR

This study explores orthorexia nervosa in Lithuania, finding that 15% of adults show unhealthy preoccupation with healthy eating, linked to specific dietary and demographic factors.

## Contribution

The first study to assess orthorexic tendencies and dietary patterns in Lithuania, revealing novel demographic and dietary associations.

## Key findings

- Approximately 15% of Lithuanian adults showed elevated orthorexic tendencies.
- Balanced-Traditional and Protein-Rich dietary patterns were positively linked to orthorexia.
- Younger women, those on structured diets, and married individuals had higher orthorexic tendencies.

## Abstract

Background/Objectives: Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is an emerging condition marked by a preoccupation with healthy eating that is linked to diminished well-being and social functioning. While research on ON extends across countries, no studies about ON have been found in Lithuania. This study aimed to investigate dietary patterns, socio-demographic correlates, and the prevalence of orthorexic tendencies in a Lithuanian adult sample. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using the ORTO-R 6-item scale, a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and socio-demographic and dietary behavior measures. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to the FFQ to identify dietary patterns, and stepwise multiple linear regression was used to examine predictors of orthorexic tendencies. Results: Approximately 15% of the Lithuanian adult sample exhibited elevated orthorexic tendencies, while three dietary factors were extracted, including Balanced-Traditional, Processed-Dense and Protein-Rich patterns. Both Balanced-Traditional and Protein-Rich dietary patterns were positively associated with orthorexic tendencies, although only the Balanced-Traditional pattern remained a significant predictor in the fully adjusted regression model, which explained 16.2% of the variance in ORTO-R scores (F(7,468) = 12.97, p < 0.001). Higher orthorexic tendencies were associated with following a dietary plan, adherence to the Healthy-Traditional pattern, being female, younger age, higher meal frequency, employment status, and being married. Conclusions: Orthorexic behaviors were more prevalent among younger women, individuals following structured diets, and those adhering to health-oriented eating patterns. These findings highlight the interplay between demographic and dietary factors in shaping orthorexic tendencies in the Lithuanian population.