What is the hallmark feature of anorexia nervosa?

The hallmark feature of anorexia nervosa is a significant restriction of food intake leading to a markedly low body weight, often accompanied by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. While excessive exercise can be a part of the behavioral pattern seen in some individuals with anorexia nervosa, it is not exclusively definitional of the disorder.

In the context of anorexia, the excessive exercise is often a means to control weight and shape in conjunction with restrictive eating behaviors. The focus on rigid control over food intake and body weight is central to the disorder, making behaviors like excessive exercising reflective of the underlying pathology rather than the core defining feature itself.

Other options, such as ineffective coping strategies, compulsive eating patterns, and frequent social interactions, do not adequately capture the essence of anorexia nervosa. Ineffective coping strategies may be present in a variety of mental health conditions but are not unique to anorexia. Compulsive eating patterns align more with disorders like binge-eating disorder, and frequent social interactions are typically not a characteristic of anorexia, as individuals suffering from this condition may often withdraw socially due to their body image concerns. Thus, while excessive exercise can be a behavior exhibited by some with anorexia nervosa, it is crucial to