What characterizes an eating disorder?

• A. Excessive exercise
• B. Healthy eating behaviors
• C. Unhealthy eating behaviors
• D. Regular meal patterns

Answer: (C)

An eating disorder is characterized by unhealthy eating behaviors that can significantly impact a person's physical and mental health. This can include a range of issues such as extreme restriction of food intake, binge eating, purging, or a preoccupation with body image and weight. These behaviors often lead to harmful consequences, including malnutrition, psychological distress, and potential medical complications.

Unhealthy eating behaviors encompass a wide array of actions that deviate from balanced nutrition and can lead to serious health consequences. Such behaviors often reflect underlying psychological struggles and a distorted relationship with food and body image.

In contrast, the other options highlight behaviors that do not align with the definition of eating disorders. Excessive exercise can sometimes accompany disordered eating but does not solely define an eating disorder. Healthy eating behaviors and regular meal patterns reflect balanced and structured approaches to nutrition that contribute positively to health rather than detract from it. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying and addressing eating disorders in a counseling context.