What defines an eating disorder?

An eating disorder is characterized by a serious and often detrimental disturbance in a person's eating behaviors and habits, which can significantly affect their physical and mental health. This definition encompasses a variety of conditions, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, all of which involve unhealthy and extreme alterations in diet and appetite.

A temporary change in diet does not capture the chronic nature of an eating disorder, which is persistent and often compulsive. Dietary preferences, on the other hand, refer to choices made based on taste or cultural considerations and do not reflect the pathological factors associated with eating disorders. Lastly, while a focus on healthy eating can be a positive lifestyle choice, it becomes problematic and can lead to disordered eating patterns when it is obsessive or when it leads to maladaptive behaviors that compromise a person’s health. Therefore, the correct answer identifies the serious and damaging nature of the disturbance in a person's eating habits, aligning with the clinical definitions and understanding of eating disorders.