Which eating disorder involves fear of weight gain and restriction of food?

• A. Bulimia nervosa
• B. Anorexia bulimia
• C. Binging
• D. Anorexia nervosa

Answer: (D)

The situation described fits anorexia nervosa. This eating disorder is defined by an intense fear of gaining weight and a deliberate restriction of food intake, which leads to a body weight that is significantly below what’s considered normal for age, height, and development. The fear and distorted view of body size drive the restrictive eating patterns, sometimes accompanied by excessive exercise and preoccupation with calories and food.

This differs from bulimia nervosa, where the hallmark is recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (like purging or overusing laxatives) to prevent weight gain; people with bulimia may maintain a normal or near-normal weight, and the cycle centers on binging and purging rather than sustained restriction. The phrase “anorexia bulimia” isn’t an official diagnosis, and simply bingeing describes episodes that don’t by themselves reflect the pervasive restriction and fear seen in anorexia nervosa.