## Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
Unhealthy weight control methods combined with severe distortion or negative self-perception of body image are key characteristics of eating disorders. The defining feature of anorexia nervosa is an intense restriction of food intake, leading to significant weight loss and malnutrition.
Bulimia nervosa, on the other hand, is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.
### Core Features
- **Anorexia nervosa:** Extreme limitation of food with a relentless fear of gaining weight despite being significantly underweight.
- **Bulimia nervosa:** Cycles of overeating large amounts of food and purging to avoid weight gain.
- Distorted body image is central in both disorders, leading to unhealthy self-judgment and harmful behaviors.
### Clinical Importance
These disorders represent a serious mental health issue linked to physical complications and often require multidisciplinary treatment approaches involving medical, nutritional, and psychological interventions.
> “Unhealthy weight control practices and intense body image distortion or disparagement are central features of eating disorders.”
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Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia involve profound disruptions in how individuals perceive and control their bodies, posing significant health risks requiring comprehensive care.
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ScienceDirect.com — 2025-11-25