Final answer:
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive eating, intense fear of gaining weight, low body weight, and a distorted perception of body image, leading to serious health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anorexia Nervosa DefinedAnorexia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by restrictive energy intake, significantly low body weight, an intense fear of weight gain, and a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia nervosa often see themselves as overweight, despite being underweight. They may employ starvation methods or excessive exercises to lose weight. This disorder can lead to severe health problems such as bone loss, muscle weakening, heart failure, and even death if not treated.Consequences of Anorexia Nervosa
In addition to excessive weight loss and amenorrhea (cessation of menses) in females, anorexia nervosa can cause a multitude of health issues including heart problems, kidney failure, and psychological disorders like anxiety and mood disorders. It is more prevalent in teenagers and young adults, particularly females, but can affect individuals of any age. Cultural pressures and environmental factors such as child abuse, parental control over eating habits, and social isolation can increase the risk of developing anorexia nervosa or other eating disordersAnorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by restrictive energy intake, low body weight, intense fear of weight gain, and disturbance in body image. People with anorexia nervosa consistently eat very little despite being obsessed with food. They have an irrational fear of gaining weight and perceive themselves as fat even when they are very thin, which is known as body dysmorphic disorder. Anorexia nervosa can have serious health consequences, including malnutrition, bone loss, heart failure, and in extreme cases, death.