Questions: A disordered eating pattern that is characterized by an unhealthy preoccupation with the body being too thin or not muscular enough is called

The answer is Orthorexia Nervosa.

Orthorexia Nervosa is a disordered eating pattern characterized by an unhealthy obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy, but it can also extend to an unhealthy preoccupation with the body being too thin or not muscular enough. This condition often involves extreme dietary restrictions and can lead to malnutrition and other health issues.

To elaborate:

1. Orthorexia Nervosa: This term was coined by Dr. Steven Bratman in 1997 and refers to an obsession with proper or 'healthful' eating. While it primarily focuses on the quality of food, it can also manifest as an obsession with body image, particularly in terms of being thin or muscular. Individuals with orthorexia may avoid foods they perceive as unhealthy, leading to restrictive eating patterns.

2. Anorexia Nervosa: This is another eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image, leading to severe restriction of food intake. However, it is more specifically associated with a desire to be thin rather than an obsession with healthful eating.

3. Muscle Dysmorphia: This is a subtype of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) where individuals are preoccupied with the idea that their body is not muscular enough. It is more common in men and involves excessive exercise and dietary practices aimed at increasing muscle mass.

4. Bulimia Nervosa: This disorder involves cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. The focus here is more on the cycle of binging and purging rather than a preoccupation with being thin or muscular.

In summary, while Orthorexia Nervosa primarily involves an obsession with healthy eating, it can also include concerns about body image, making it the most fitting term for a disordered eating pattern characterized by an unhealthy preoccupation with the body being too thin or not muscular enough.