Which eating disorder is defined by intense fear of weight gain and distorted body image?

Which eating disorder is defined by intense fear of weight gain and distorted body image?

• A. Bulimia nervosa
• B. Binge eating disorder
• C. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder
• D. Anorexia nervosa

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is how weight concerns and body image shape eating-disorder patterns. Anorexia nervosa is defined by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted or highly critical view of one’s body, which drives severe restriction of intake and marked underweight. This combination of fear about weight and misperception of body size is what sets it apart from other disorders. For contrast, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder centers on limited eating without weight- or shape-related fears; bulimia nervosa involves binge episodes with compensatory behaviors like purging, often with normal or fluctuating weight; binge eating disorder focuses on recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory behaviors and doesn’t center on a distorted body image in the same way.

The main idea here is how weight concerns and body image shape eating-disorder patterns. Anorexia nervosa is defined by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted or highly critical view of one’s body, which drives severe restriction of intake and marked underweight. This combination of fear about weight and misperception of body size is what sets it apart from other disorders. For contrast, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder centers on limited eating without weight- or shape-related fears; bulimia nervosa involves binge episodes with compensatory behaviors like purging, often with normal or fluctuating weight; binge eating disorder focuses on recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory behaviors and doesn’t center on a distorted body image in the same way.