HEALTHY EATING OR EATING DISORDER?: A STUDY ON ORTHOREXIA NERVOSA

Abstract

Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is characterized by a pathological fixation on a diet considered healthy, involving rigid restrictions and psychosocial impairments. Despite its increasing visibility, ON is not yet officially recognized as an eating disorder, remaining under-researched in the Brazilian context. This study aimed to analyze the new faces of eating disorders through a systematic review of national scientific production on ON, articulated with the analysis of content disseminated on YouTube, focusing on the influence of digital media in the consolidation of dysfunctional eating behaviors. This is a qualitative research, based on the analysis of studies indexed in the SciELO, LILACS and CAPES databases, in addition to the investigation of the ten most recommended videos on the platform using the descriptor "morning routine". The results indicate that Brazilian scientific production on ON is incipient, with a predominance of quantitative designs, recurrent use of the Orto-15 instrument and a focus on young populations in the areas of health and sports. Analysis of digital content revealed the dissemination of normative discourses that associate health, productivity, and success with rigid and idealized routines. It is concluded that digital media act as relevant vectors in the internalization of ideals of control and performance, reinforcing practices compatible with the ON (presumably referring to a specific type of mental health issue) and the need to expand qualitative studies in the country.