Which of the following best describes anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is characterized primarily by the restriction of energy intake relative to requirements, leading to significantly low body weight in the context of age, sex, developmental trajectory, and physical health. This condition often involves an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, where individuals may see themselves as overweight even when they are dangerously underweight.

While other options describe different forms of eating behaviors or disorders, they do not capture the fundamental aspects of anorexia nervosa. For instance, excessive eating leading to obesity does not align with the core symptoms of anorexia, as the disorder is defined by severe restriction of food intake. Similarly, normal weight with periods of binge eating describes binge eating disorder, while eating without regard to hunger cues might refer to emotional or disordered eating that doesn't fit within the diagnostic criteria for anorexia. Thus, the correct answer accurately reflects the defining characteristics of anorexia nervosa.