What is a common characteristic observed in individuals with anorexia?

Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically exhibit severe restriction of calorie intake as a hallmark of the disorder. This form of restrictive eating leads to significant weight loss and inadequate nutrition, ultimately affecting both physical and mental health. Those with anorexia often have an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, which drives their behavior to limit food intake drastically.

This characteristic is critical in distinguishing anorexia nervosa from other eating disorders. For instance, individuals with binge eating disorder may consume large quantities of food without purging, while those with bulimia nervosa might alternate between binge eating and compensatory behaviors like vomiting or excessive exercise. An obsession with healthy eating, which may manifest as a strong focus on nutrition and food quality, can be seen in some individuals, but this does not encompass the severe caloric restriction found in anorexia. In contrast, those with anorexia may not simply be concerned about healthy eating; their primary behavior is significantly limiting their overall caloric intake. Therefore, the severe restriction of calorie intake is a defining and common characteristic observed in individuals with anorexia nervosa.