Anorexia and bulimia are psychological disorders that affect the whole body.

LMHS NJROTC students bring a lot to the table: discipline, teamwork, curiosity, and a steady habit of asking the right questions. When you’re studying topics that show up in leadership and academic teams, you’ll notice something that often goes past the surface: real-world context matters. A single multiple-choice question can open up big conversations about health, psychology, and how we support each other in tough times. Let me walk you through one example and why it matters beyond the test.

What the question is really asking

The question presents four statements about anorexia and bulimia and asks which one is correct. Here’s the core idea it’s testing: not just factual recall, but a clear understanding of how these conditions are classified in mental health. The options look like this:

A. Anorexia and bulimia are common in today’s society.

B. You cannot die from anorexia or bulimia.

C. Anorexia and bulimia are psychological disorders.

D. Anorexia and bulimia affect your entire body.

The correct answer is C: Anorexia and bulimia are psychological disorders. Let’s unpack why, because understanding the reasoning behind the correct choice helps you think critically in any scenario you’ll face, from class discussions to leadership roles in NJROTC.

Why option C is the right pick

Think of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa as more than just “habits” around food. They’re rooted in mental health—habits of thinking, feeling, and relating to one’s body that can distort how someone sees themselves and makes choices about eating. When medical professionals classify these conditions as psychological disorders, they’re signaling that the core issue sits in the mind and that recovery usually needs mental health support along with nutritional and medical care.

This framing matters because it shifts how you approach treatment and support. If you view them as purely physical, you might focus only on eating patterns or weight. If you see them as psychological disorders, you recognize the value of therapy, coping skills, and addressing underlying stress, self-esteem, or societal pressures. That broader lens matters in real life—whether you’re studying health topics, supporting a friend, or leading a team where healthy habits and resilience matter.

Why the other statements miss the mark (and what that still gets right)

A quick glance at the other options can be tempting, but there are important misalignments:

A. Anorexia and bulimia are common in today’s society.

This one touches a real concern: both conditions do appear in many communities, and awareness is essential. The tricky part is that “common” can be easy to misread. They aren’t everyday experiences for most people, and they’re serious health issues. Saying they’re common can mute the gravity of their impact or imply normalcy where there isn’t. The right takeaway isn’t about prevalence alone; it’s about recognizing the seriousness and the need for professional help.

B. You cannot die from anorexia or bulimia.

This is dangerously misleading. In fact, both disorders can be life-threatening. Complications from malnutrition, electrolyte imbalances, and other health problems can lead to severe outcomes. It’s essential to understand the real risks and to seek timely, comprehensive care if you’re worried about yourself or someone else.

D. Anorexia and bulimia affect your entire body.

This is true in a sense—these conditions do have systemic effects on many organ systems. But the key point is that their core nature is psychological. The physical effects are significant, yes, but treating them as solely physical won’t address the mental health aspects that drive the behaviors in the first place. That’s why the classification as psychological disorders is more precise and more useful for guiding treatment.

Turning the focus from a test item to the bigger picture

Here’s the bigger picture that helps you in school and beyond: when a health issue is labeled a psychological disorder, it signals that care teams will likely include mental health professionals—psychologists or counselors—along with medical doctors and nutritionists. The plan isn’t just about calories in and calories out. It’s about building healthy coping strategies, reshaping how someone sees themselves, and creating a support system that keeps them steady through the tough parts of recovery.

For students in LMHS NJROTC, there’s an extra layer that’s worth noting

Leadership in NJROTC often hinges on keeping a squad motivated, focused, and ready to handle stress. When you’re aware that mental health is a key piece of performance and well-being, you show true leadership. You can:

• Normalize seeking help: If someone notices a friend struggling, they feel equipped to guide them toward a trusted counselor or medical professional.

• Foster a supportive environment: You can model healthy conversations about body image and self-worth, reducing stigma and encouraging teammates to speak up when something isn’t right.

• Manage stress with practical tools: Mindfulness, time management, and realistic goal-setting help keep pressure from becoming overwhelming.

Mental health isn’t just a private issue; it’s a readiness issue. When you recognize that disorders like anorexia and bulimia involve mental health as a central thread, you’re better prepared to respond with empathy and actionable support.

A practical way to think about treatment

Recovery for these conditions generally takes a team approach. Here’s a simple mental model you can keep in mind:

• Talk therapy: This helps address distorted beliefs about body image, self-worth, and coping strategies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common approach, but different modalities work for different people.

• Nutritional guidance: A registered dietitian helps reframe eating patterns, set safe meal plans, and restore healthy relationships with food.

• Medical monitoring: Because these conditions can affect heart health, electrolytes, and other systems, medical checks ensure progress is safe and steady.

• Family and peer support: A strong, understanding circle makes a big difference in staying motivated and accountable.

You don’t need to memorize every clinical detail to grasp the point. The takeaway for a student audience is this: mental health matters just as much as physical health, and the path to recovery is collaborative.

A few resources that can help you get grounded

If you’re curious and want reliable information, you can check out sources that explain why these disorders are psychological, how treatment works, and where to find help. Reputable organizations include:

• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Clear explanations of mood and eating disorders, how they’re diagnosed, and what treatment looks like.

• Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic: Patient-friendly overviews of symptoms, risks, and care pathways.

• Local school counselors or your community health center: Practical steps for getting support in your area.

A note on language and sensitivity

When we talk about eating disorders, the phrasing matters. Language that emphasizes stigma or judgment can stop someone from reaching out for help. The goal is to be accurate, compassionate, and constructive. If you’re unsure how to talk about it with a friend, a simple, non-judgmental approach often helps: “I’m here for you. If you want to talk, I’ll listen.” And if you’re ever worried about someone’s safety, seek guidance from a trained professional right away.

Bringing this back to the core idea

So, the question isn’t just a test item with a correct letter. It’s a prompt to recognize how these disorders sit at the crossroads of mind and body. They’re psychological disorders, and that label matters because it shapes how people get help and how communities respond. For students in LMHS NJROTC, this carries extra resonance: leadership isn’t only about marching or drills; it’s about showing up for teammates in moments that require care, understanding, and teamwork.

A final thought to carry forward

As you study and discuss health topics, keep this in mind: knowledge without empathy isn’t very useful, and empathy without knowledge isn’t very effective. The best kind of insight comes from combining clear information with a genuine commitment to supporting others. When you do that, you’re not just preparing for a quiz or a competition—you’re building the kind of character that makes a difference in schools, in teams, and in life.

If you’d like, I can help you explore more real-world scenarios like this—questions that tie health, psychology, and leadership together in a way that feels practical and human. After all, leadership is about understanding people, asking the right questions, and guiding others toward healthier, stronger choices. And that’s a lesson worth carrying into every drill, every meeting, and every conversation ahead.