Summary: This study explored how psychological distress and mindful eating behaviors mediate the relationship between orthorexia nervosa and academic self-efficacy in Lebanese university female students. Findings from 769 participants revealed that psychological distress fully mediated the link between orthorexia nervosa and academic self-efficacy, with higher orthorexia nervosa associated with less distress and distress linked to lower academic self-efficacy. Additionally, focused eating fully mediated this relationship, with orthorexia nervosa associated with less focused eating and focused eating linked to better academic self-efficacy. Orthorexia nervosa itself was not directly linked to academic self-efficacy. These results provide insights for educational institutions and healthcare providers aiming to enhance the well-being and academic success of young female adults in Lebanon.