American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer highlights that increased bone density is not a typical consequence of weight loss in eating disorders. In fact, weight loss often leads to decreased bone density and increased risk of osteoporosis. When a person suffers from an eating disorder, particularly those characterized by undernutrition such as anorexia nervosa, the body lacks sufficient nutrients and energy necessary for maintaining bone health. The result often includes a loss of calcium and the structural integrity of bone, making the bones weaker rather than denser.

Other consequences of weight loss in eating disorders, such as cachexia, loss of cardiac muscle, and lanugo, are well-documented. Cachexia refers to a complex syndrome involving severe body weight, muscle mass, and fat loss, which can occur in severe cases of eating disorders. Loss of cardiac muscle is a critical concern, as malnutrition can lead to muscle wasting, including the heart muscle, increasing the risk of serious complications such as arrhythmias. Lanugo, the fine, soft hair that develops on the body, is a physiological response to cold due to fat loss and is another indicator of the body’s struggle to maintain temperature regulation in the absence of adequate fat stores. These consequences underline the severe physical ramifications associated with eating disorders, further emphasizing the importance of