What is a key feature of anorexia nervosa?

A key feature of anorexia nervosa is the refusal to eat, which leads to dangerously low body weight. Individuals with anorexia often have a distorted body image, perceiving themselves as overweight even when they are underweight. This condition is characterized by a relentless pursuit of thinness and an intense fear of gaining weight. The behavior can manifest in various ways, such as limiting food intake, exercising excessively, or using other unhealthy methods to lose weight. This refusal to consume adequate nutrition not only affects physical health but can also have serious psychological implications. In this context, the focus on maintaining a significantly low body weight distinguishes anorexia nervosa from other eating disorders, which may have different behavioral patterns or symptoms.