Portage Learning Nutrition Practice Exam 2026 - Free Nutrition Practice Questions and Study Guide

When a person suffers from anorexia nervosa, several physiological changes occur in the body as a result of severe malnutrition and weight loss, which ultimately affect the skin. One of the hallmark changes is that the skin may turn pale due to reduced blood flow and the body’s attempt to conserve energy. The cold sensation is a consequence of decreased body fat and insulative capacity, leaving the skin feeling cool to the touch. Additionally, skin sores may develop as a result of inadequate nutrition, which impairs the skin’s healing capabilities and leads to an increased risk of infections and ulcerations.

These changes highlight the body’s response to a severely restricted diet and energy deficit, underscoring the critical nature of nutrition for maintaining skin health and overall physiological function. Other options do not accurately reflect the changes associated with anorexia nervosa, as healthy skin typically retains elasticity and warmth, and significant oiliness or thickness is not characteristic of malnourished states.