What is a hallmark of anorexia nervosa?

Anorexia nervosa is characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, even if the individual may already be underweight. This overwhelming fear drives behaviors aimed at restricting food intake and maintaining extreme weight loss. People suffering from anorexia often have a distorted body image, perceiving themselves as overweight or "fat" despite evidence to the contrary. This fear is a defining feature of the condition, influencing their thoughts and actions and leading to potentially severe physical and psychological consequences.

While other choices mention aspects that may seem relevant, they do not capture the essence of anorexia nervosa. Irregular eating patterns without concern do not encompass the anxiety and fear associated with this disorder. A focus on nutritional knowledge might appear beneficial, but in the context of anorexia, it often becomes a tool for restricting intake rather than promoting health. Lastly, normal or increased body weight contradicts the clinical understanding of anorexia nervosa, which typically involves significant weight loss and an unhealthy body mass index. Thus, the intense fear of weight gain remains a critical hallmark of this eating disorder.