Assessment of the Risk of Orthorexia Nervosa and Attitudes Towards Their Own Bodies among Amateur and Professional Soccer Players

Orthorexia Nervosa, although not recognized as an official mental disorder, is a behavior characterized by a pathological focus on healthy eating. The purpose of the study was to assess the risk of Orthorexia Nervosa and attitudes toward one's own body among amateur and professional soccer players. The survey was administered among 137 male soccer players, both amateur and professional, from different Polish leagues. A mixed method survey (direct and electronic) was applied, using the Düsseldorfer Orthorexia Scale and the Body Esteem Scale to assess Orthorexia Nervosa risk and attitudes towards one's own body. The survey was administered between February and April 2024. The results showed that professional soccer players had higher satisfaction with their bodies compared to amateurs. Approximately 27% of the participants were at risk of Orthorexia Nervosa, regardless of their sports level. The analysis showed a weak but statistically significant correlation between the risk of Orthorexia Nervosa and scores on the upper body strength subscale. The results suggest that professional athletes may have a better relationship with their bodies, which may result from a more systematic and conscious approach to training and diet. At the same time, it is confirmed that Orthorexia Nervosa is present among soccer players. The study underscores the need for awareness of the risk of Orthorexia Nervosa among soccer players and points to the importance of support at both the amateur and professional levels.