Which eating disorder features binge eating followed by purging (vomiting) or fasting?

Which eating disorder features binge eating followed by purging (vomiting) or fasting?

• A. Anorexia nervosa
• B. Bulimia nervosa
• C. Sleep Disorders
• D. Facitious disorder

Answer: (B)

Bulimia nervosa centers on a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, most commonly purging such as vomiting or using laxatives, and sometimes fasting or excessive exercise. This pattern—large amounts of food eaten in a short period with a sense of loss of control, then immediate efforts to undo the effect of the binge—defines bulimia. People with bulimia are often within a normal or slightly higher weight range, which helps distinguish it from the other conditions. Anorexia nervosa, by contrast, emphasizes extreme restriction and resulting underweight, even though some individuals may purge; the defining feature is chronic underweight rather than the binge-purge cycle. Sleep disorders are not eating disorders and don’t involve binge-purge eating behaviors. Factitious disorder involves feigning illness for attention or care and isn’t centered on disordered eating patterns.

Bulimia nervosa centers on a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, most commonly purging such as vomiting or using laxatives, and sometimes fasting or excessive exercise. This pattern—large amounts of food eaten in a short period with a sense of loss of control, then immediate efforts to undo the effect of the binge—defines bulimia. People with bulimia are often within a normal or slightly higher weight range, which helps distinguish it from the other conditions.

Anorexia nervosa, by contrast, emphasizes extreme restriction and resulting underweight, even though some individuals may purge; the defining feature is chronic underweight rather than the binge-purge cycle. Sleep disorders are not eating disorders and don’t involve binge-purge eating behaviors. Factitious disorder involves feigning illness for attention or care and isn’t centered on disordered eating patterns.