Which of the following best describes an indicator of Anorexia Nervosa in children?

Which of the following best describes an indicator of Anorexia Nervosa in children?

• A. Weight under 10th percentile
• B. Weight under 5th percentile
• C. Weight at normal percentile
• D. Weight above 90th percentile

Answer: (B)

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by significant weight loss, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. In children and adolescents, a critical diagnostic criterion is exhibiting a weight that is less than the expected weight for their age and height. Choosing weight under the 5th percentile effectively indicates a severe level of undernourishment and is a significant red flag for Anorexia Nervosa. This percentile represents a critical threshold where a child's body weight is gravely low compared to their peers, heightening the concerns related to nutritional intake and overall health. In contrast, a weight under the 10th percentile, while also indicative of being underweight, provides a milder concern that may not meet the severity required for a diagnosis, thus making it less indicative of Anorexia Nervosa. Weight at a normal percentile shows no undernourishment and would not align with the criteria for the disorder. A weight above the 90th percentile indicates that the individual is significantly overweight, which is contrary to the presentation of Anorexia Nervosa. Therefore, weight under the 5th percentile is a more accurate marker of this condition among children.

Anorexia Nervosa is characterized by significant weight loss, an intense fear of gaining weight, and a distorted body image. In children and adolescents, a critical diagnostic criterion is exhibiting a weight that is less than the expected weight for their age and height.

Choosing weight under the 5th percentile effectively indicates a severe level of undernourishment and is a significant red flag for Anorexia Nervosa. This percentile represents a critical threshold where a child's body weight is gravely low compared to their peers, heightening the concerns related to nutritional intake and overall health.

In contrast, a weight under the 10th percentile, while also indicative of being underweight, provides a milder concern that may not meet the severity required for a diagnosis, thus making it less indicative of Anorexia Nervosa. Weight at a normal percentile shows no undernourishment and would not align with the criteria for the disorder. A weight above the 90th percentile indicates that the individual is significantly overweight, which is contrary to the presentation of Anorexia Nervosa. Therefore, weight under the 5th percentile is a more accurate marker of this condition among children.