Which is a core criterion of Anorexia Nervosa?

• A. Distorted perception of body weight and shape
• B. Restriction of energy intake that leads to a low body weight
• C. Engagement in binge eating with compensatory behaviors
• D. Excessive exercise alone

Answer: (B)

Restriction of energy intake relative to requirements that results in a significantly low body weight for age, sex, development, or cultural context is the defining feature of Anorexia Nervosa. This means the person’s food intake is insufficient to maintain a healthy weight, or behaviors that severely limit intake lead to a weight that is inappropriately low. While many individuals with this condition also experience an intense fear of gaining weight and a disturbance in how they perceive their body or weight, these features accompany the weight criterion rather than define the diagnosis. Binge eating with compensatory behaviors points to bulimia nervosa or a binge-purge pattern of another eating disorder, not the core criterion for anorexia. Excessive exercise can occur but, by itself, does not establish the diagnosis.