In anorexia nervosa, underweight is defined by which criterion?

In anorexia nervosa, underweight is defined by which criterion?

• A. BMI > 25 kg/m^2
• B. Height above 6 feet
• C. Weight fluctuations widely without underweight
• D. BMI < 17.5 kg/m^2 or body weight < 85% of ideal weight

Answer: (D)

The test is about how underweight is defined in anorexia nervosa. Clinically, this disorder involves a significantly low body weight for age, sex, and development, typically captured by a BMI below 17.5 kg/m^2 or a body weight less than 85% of what would be expected (ideal weight). This threshold reflects the extreme energy restriction and its impact on weight. BMI greater than 25 indicates overweight, which is not compatible with anorexia nervosa. Height by itself doesn’t determine weight status, and weight fluctuations without being underweight don’t meet the diagnostic threshold. So the defining criterion is BMI < 17.5 or weight < 85% of ideal.

The test is about how underweight is defined in anorexia nervosa. Clinically, this disorder involves a significantly low body weight for age, sex, and development, typically captured by a BMI below 17.5 kg/m^2 or a body weight less than 85% of what would be expected (ideal weight). This threshold reflects the extreme energy restriction and its impact on weight.

BMI greater than 25 indicates overweight, which is not compatible with anorexia nervosa. Height by itself doesn’t determine weight status, and weight fluctuations without being underweight don’t meet the diagnostic threshold. So the defining criterion is BMI < 17.5 or weight < 85% of ideal.