Evaluation of factors related to organic food consumption and orthorexia nervosa tendencies

Abstract

The relationship between organic food consumption, awareness of reducing ecological footprint, and orthorexia nervosa (ON) tendencies has yet to be explored in detail. This study aimed to determine factors related to organic food consumption and ON tendencies in young adults. Also, the relationship between organic food consumption, awareness of reducing ecological footprint, and ON tendencies was investigated. This study was conducted with 887 young adults (58.4% female, 41.6% male, aged 18–25 years, mean age 20.8 ± 2.55 years). Study data were obtained with a web‐based questionnaire. The questionnaire included socio‐demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, the Organic Food Consumption Scale (OFC), ORTO‐11, and the Awareness Scale for Reducing Ecological Footprint (ASREF). While 17.2% were overweight or obese, 74.9% had a normal body weight. There were no differences by sex in terms of ORTO‐11, OFC, and ASREF total scores (p > .05). Significant positive correlations were found between ASREF and OFC (p < .001), while negative correlations were found for ORTO‐11 and OFC (p < .001). A higher ASREF and increased ON tendencies predicted increased organic food consumption (p < .05). Furthermore, higher organic food consumption behaviors and awareness of reducing ecological footprint predicted increased ON tendencies (p < .05). Findings from this study will contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors associated with organic food consumption and ON tendencies among individuals. By shedding light on the interplay between ecological awareness, organic food consumption, and orthorexic tendencies, policymakers and health professionals can develop targeted interventions to promote sustainable and healthy food consumption.