Which eating disorder is characterized by a fear of gaining weight and a subsequent restriction of food?

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

Answer: (D)

An intense fear of gaining weight combined with a restriction of food that leads to a significantly low body weight defines anorexia nervosa. This fear drives a persistent pattern of limiting caloric intake, choosing only small portions, and often engaging in extreme dieting or excessive exercise, all tied to distorted body image. This specific combination distinguishes it from other eating concerns: bulimia nervosa involves binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (like purging) and often a normal or higher body weight rather than underweight; the term anorexia bulimia isn’t a formal diagnosis; and simply binge eating describes episodes without the sustained restriction and fear of weight gain that lead to underweight. So the described pattern best matches anorexia nervosa.