To meet DSM-5 criteria for anorexia you have to have a “significantly low body weight.” In previous versions of the DSM, that was marked at 85{c754d8f4a6af077a182a96e5a5e47e38ce50ff83c235579d09299c097124e52d} or less of what is normal for your height, age, and development, but in the current version there is no specific number. So that is how anorexia is equated with thinness.
However, you can meet all other criteria of anorexia except that one and still be diagnosed with an eating disorder, typically Eating Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (currently known as Feeding or Eating Disorders Not Elsewhere Classified). EDNOS (or OSFED) is typically diagnosed when the individual clearly has eating patterns and disturbances that warrant clinical attention, but they may not meet every single criteria of Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa, or Binge Eating Disorder. Just because you are not underweight, does not mean you do not have an eating disorder, nor that it isn’t severe enough to warrant clinical attention.
I hope that helps!
SOURCE: Eating Disorder Support and Awareness – Read entire story here.
