Question

In which of these eating disorders can lanugo, a fine hair, develop?

1) Anorexia nervosa
2) Bulimia nervosa
3) Binge eating disorder
4) Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

Answer 1

Lanugo can develop in individuals with anorexia nervosa, which is an eating disorder characterized by significantly reduced food intake and a fear of gaining weight. Matching the statements, A is anorexia nervosa for eating very little, B is bulimia nervosa for potential electrolyte imbalance, and C is binge eating disorder for the risk of type 2 diabetes. Children with a distended abdomen more likely have kwashiorkor, which is due to a protein deficiency.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lanugo, a fine, soft hair, can develop as a symptom in individuals with the eating disorder known as anorexia nervosa. This disorder is characterized by an extreme fear of weight gain and a very low food intake leading to significant weight loss. Those affected by anorexia nervosa may experience a range of serious health consequences, including the potential development of lanugo as the body attempts to insulate itself due to loss of body fat.

Match each statement to the eating disorder:

1. A. Anorexia Nervosa: People with this disorder typically eat very little.
2. B. Bulimia Nervosa: People with this disorder often develop an electrolyte imbalance due to purging behaviors.
3. C. Binge Eating Disorder: People with this disorder are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

For an undernourished child with a distended abdomen, they are more likely to have kwashiorkor, a form of malnutrition caused by inadequate protein intake despite sufficient calorie consumption. The distended abdomen is a hallmark sign of this condition, often coupled with other symptoms such as edema, irritability, an enlarged liver, and skin disorders.