The nurse is preparing an education program regarding early identification of students at risk of developing anorexia nervosa. Which person does the nurse recognize as having the highest risk of developing an eating disorder?

Choice A reason: Cheerleaders may face body image pressures, but ballet dancers are at higher risk due to the intense emphasis on thinness, aesthetics, and performance standards in classical dance. Choice B reason: Ballet dancers are at significantly elevated risk for anorexia nervosa due to the cultural and professional emphasis on maintaining a very low body weight and appearance standards. The pressure to conform to these ideals often begins early and is reinforced by coaches and peers. Choice C reason: Male swimmers may be concerned with fitness and performance, but the sport does not typically emphasize extreme thinness. Eating disorders are less prevalent in this group. Choice D reason: Male wrestlers may engage in weight-cutting behaviors, but these are often episodic and related to competition schedules. While disordered eating can occur, the chronic restrictive patterns seen in anorexia nervosa are more common in female ballet dancers.