University of Central Florida (UCF) CLP3143 Psychopathology Practice Exam 2

Anorexia nervosa is primarily characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, which leads individuals to restrict their food intake significantly. As a result, people with anorexia commonly exhibit a body mass index (BMI) that is below the normal range. This low BMI reflects severe weight loss or the maintenance of an extremely low body weight compared to what is considered healthy for a person’s height.

While individuals with anorexia may experience fluctuations in weight, the defining feature is the maintenance of a body weight that is significantly lower than what is considered healthy. This is crucial in diagnosing anorexia nervosa, as it often focuses on the consistent inability to maintain a healthy body weight due to restrictive eating behaviors or excessive exercise. Thus, being below the normal range is the most appropriate classification for those with this eating disorder.