Final answer:
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by the maintenance of a body weight well below average through starvation and/or excessive exercise. A main characteristic of this eating disorder is compulsive exercise, where individuals engage in extreme exercise routines as a way to control their weight. Compulsive exercise can lead to serious physical complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by the maintenance of a body weight well below average through starvation and/or excessive exercise. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often have a distorted body image, referenced in literature as a type of body dysmorphia, meaning that they view themselves as overweight even though they are not.
One main characteristic of anorexia nervosa is compulsive exercise. People with this eating disorder engage in extreme exercise routines as a way to burn calories and control their weight. This obsessive need to exercise often becomes a compulsive behavior, where the person feels driven to constantly engage in physical activity, even at the expense of their health.
Compulsive exercise is a dangerous aspect of anorexia nervosa as it can lead to serious physical complications such as bone loss, heart failure, and kidney failure. It is important for individuals with anorexia nervosa to receive comprehensive treatment that addresses both the psychological and physical aspects of their condition.