Which eating disorder involves binge eating followed by purging?

Which eating disorder involves binge eating followed by purging?

• A. Bulimia nervosa
• B. Anorexia nervosa
• C. Food addiction
• D. Body dysmorphia

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is Bulimia nervosa, which is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercise. In individuals with bulimia, the binge-eating episodes are typically accompanied by a lack of control over food intake and feelings of distress, guilt, or shame afterward. This cycle of bingeing and purging is a defining feature of the disorder, differentiating it from other eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa, on the other hand, typically involves extreme restriction of food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight, rather than bingeing and purging. Food addiction refers to a compulsive behavior related to food consumption without the specific patterns of bingeing and purging found in bulimia. Body dysmorphia involves a distorted perception of one's appearance and is not classified as an eating disorder in the same sense; rather, it may contribute to behaviors seen in eating disorders, but it is primarily focused on self-image issues. Therefore, bulimia nervosa is distinct in its pattern of binge eating followed by purging, making it the correct answer.