Tendency toward Eating Disorders and Orthorexia Nervosa among Hong Kong Young Adults

Abstract Eating disorders (EDs) involve persistent disruptions in eating patterns and negative emotions. Due to limited information on orthorexia nervosa (ON) and from non-Western populations using the updated DSM, this study investigated the tendency and risk factors for DSM-5-TR EDs and ON among Chinese young adults. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 545 Hong Kong young adults in 2024. Demographics and standardized scales were filled out by respondents via an online platform. Quantitative analyses were performed to examine the relationship of EDs and ON using associated factors. The prevalence of ED was 18.9% and 9.9% for ON; 3.9% of respondents tended to have a comorbidity of ED and ON. The weak association between EDs and ON was noted. Positive psychological distress associations, low ratings on life satisfaction and self-perceived healthiness were observed in those with EDs, but not with ON. ON exhibited less overweight preoccupation than EDs. ON should be considered as a unique diagnosis label due to association differences between EDs and ON.