Final answer:
True, both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are characterized by a distorted body image, where individuals perceive themselves as overweight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a major underlying personal characteristic of both anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is having a distorted body image is true. Individuals with anorexia nervosa view themselves as overweight despite being underweight and restrict their food intake to the point of starvation.
This perception results in extreme behaviors and can have severe health consequences. In the case of bulimia nervosa, even though individuals may have a normal weight, they experience a cycle of binge eating followed by purging due to an intense fear of weight gain.
Both disorders involve a dysmorphic view of one's body, with serious potential health consequences such as bone loss, heart and kidney failure, and psychological problems like anxiety and mood disorders.