When health education becomes unhealthy: An exploration into Orthorexia Nervosa in Swedish schools

Health-related school subjects in Sweden address different health topics, including healthy eating. Healthy eating is something that many people aspire to, mainly for health reasons. However, even the well-intentioned consumption of healthy foods can turn into an obsession.

‘Orthorexia nervosa’ (ON) is the name for a relatively new behaviour characterised by the compulsive use and abuse of healthy food. This condition is yet to be recognised as a medical diagnosis, and significantly, an increasing number of people are presenting with its symptoms.

The purpose of this project is to create knowledge on how health-related school subjects like physical education and health, and home and consumer studies, can influence the development of orthorexic behaviours in students. This will be achieved by designing a much-needed self-reported instrument for detection of ON among students, and exploring teachers’ and students’ voices, and syllabi documents. This knowledge is needed because there is currently no way to measure ON among students.

Furthermore, the possible influence of health-related school subjects on developing this condition is also unknown. This research project will assist schools in improving education for health and wellbeing, particularly in relation to ON. The project will also have an impact on students who experience (or are inclined to experience) ON, as raising awareness of this emerging condition will equip them to deal better with ON and to seek help.