In the treatment of anorexia nervosa, which goal best reflects recovery?

• A. Restoration of normal eating and elimination patterns.
• B. Increased exercise routine.
• C. Avoidance of meals.
• D. Weight gain only with no change in eating behavior.

Answer: (A)

Recovery means more than just adding pounds; it centers on returning to normal, regular eating and eliminating disordered eating behaviors. Establishing predictable meal patterns, choosing a balanced variety of foods, and removing avoidance or compensatory practices helps reestablish hunger and fullness cues and supports lasting change. Increasing exercise, skipping meals, or gaining weight without changing eating behavior all continue the problematic patterns that sustain the illness. Therefore, restoring normal eating and eliminating problematic eating patterns best reflects recovery. In real care, this is complemented by medical stabilization and psychotherapy to address underlying thoughts and beliefs about food and body image.