Athletic Training Practice Exam

Which of the following is not a sign of anorexia nervosa?

1. Dramatic weight loss

2. Obsession with weight gain

3. Social isolation

4. Significant weight gain during the off season

The correct answer is: Significant weight gain during the off season

In the context of anorexia nervosa, significant weight gain, especially during a time typically associated with increased physical activity (like the off-season for athletes), would not align with the behavioral and physiological features of the disorder. Individuals with anorexia nervosa typically exhibit restrictive eating behaviors and an intense fear of weight gain, leading to drastic weight loss rather than weight gain. Dramatic weight loss is a hallmark sign of anorexia nervosa, as individuals often have an intense drive for thinness. The obsession with weight gain is similarly misleading in this context; individuals with this disorder tend to be preoccupied with the idea of losing weight rather than gaining it. Social isolation can also be a characteristic sign, as individuals may withdraw from social situations, particularly those involving food. Therefore, significant weight gain during the off-season stands out as the option that is inconsistent with the common signs and symptoms of anorexia nervosa.