Orthorexia Nervosa and Exercise Dependence in Male CrossFit Athletes: Behavioral and Health-Related Associations

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between orthorexia nervosa tendencies and exercise dependence, including its subdimensions, in male CrossFit athletes, and to investigate how these psychological tendencies are associated with behavioral factors such as smoking status, dietary supplement use, planned meal consumption, and injury history.Methods: This study was conducted using a correlational research design. The sample consisted of 252 male CrossFit athletes actively training in Diyarbakır, selected on a voluntary basis (mean age: 26.92 ± 4.09 years). Data were collected using a personal information form, the ORTO-11 Scale, and the Exercise Dependence Scale. ORTO-11 scores were categorized into quartile groups (Q1–Q4), while exercise dependence was classified as risk, dependent, and high-level dependent groups. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Cramér’s V effect size, and Pearson correlation analysis. The Benjamini–Hochberg procedure was applied to control for multiple comparisons.Results: The findings indicated that the relationship between orthorexia tendencies and exercise dependence is multidimensional and variable-specific. ORTO-11 scores were negatively and weakly correlated with the “Withdrawal of Individual–Social Needs and Conflict” (r = −0.189, p < 0.01) and “Tolerance Development and Passion” (r = −0.152, p < 0.05) subdimensions of exercise dependence. Significant associations were found between orthorexia and exercise dependence groups and smoking behavior, dietary supplement use, and planned meal consumption (p < 0.05). While injury history was significantly associated with orthorexia tendencies, it was not significantly related to exercise dependence levels.Conclusion: In conclusion, orthorexia nervosa tendencies and exercise dependence in male CrossFit athletes may be associated with psychological characteristics, nutrition-related behaviors, and lifestyle factors. The findings suggest that the observed associations between orthorexia tendencies and exercise dependence may vary according to specific behavioral and psychological factors rather than reflecting a simple linear relationship. Therefore, comprehensive and interdisciplinary assessment approaches are recommended for the identification and management of orthorexia and exercise dependence risks in athletic populations.