Which term best describes An emotional disorder characterized by an obsessive desire to lose weight by refusing to eat?

• A. Anorexia
• B. Bulimia
• C. Anxiety
• D. Phobia

Answer: (A)

This item tests recognizing an eating disorder defined by extreme restriction of food intake to lose weight. The description—an obsessive drive to lose weight and refusing to eat—points to anorexia (anorexia nervosa), which is marked by intentional, severe limits on eating and a distorted view of one’s body. This behavior leads to very low body weight and can cause serious health problems.

Bulimia involves binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting, laxatives, or excessive exercise, rather than simply restricting food intake. Anxiety is a broad mood disorder characterized by excessive worry or fear, not specifically tied to weight or eating. A phobia is an irrational fear of a specific object or situation, again not focused on weight loss through not eating.

So the term that best fits the scenario is anorexia.