Which of the following is a sign of Malnutrition in Anorexia Nervosa?

• A. Lanugo
• B. Edema from lack of protein
• C. Amenorrhea
• D. Obsession with food

Answer: (B)

Malnutrition in anorexia nervosa often shows up in the body’s protein status. When protein intake is very low, serum albumin falls, which lowers oncotic pressure and allows fluid to shift into interstitial spaces, producing edema. This edema directly signals a deficiency in protein that is part of malnutrition. While lanugo and amenorrhea can accompany severe malnutrition, they are less specific about current protein status: lanugo is a cold-adaptation hair change, and amenorrhea reflects hormonal suppression from overall energy deficit. An obsession with food is a behavioral symptom rather than a physical sign of malnutrition. So edema from lack of protein best represents the nutritional deficiency happening in anorexia nervosa.