Which eating disorder involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting?

Which eating disorder involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting?

• A. Bulimia nervosa
• B. Anorexia nervosa
• C. Binge eating disorder
• D. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder

Answer: (A)

The pattern being tested is bulimia nervosa, which involves recurrent binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, with self-induced vomiting being the most classic example. During a binge, a person consumes an unusually large amount of food in a short period and feels a loss of control over eating. Afterward, they engage in behaviors like vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, or fasting to undo the caloric intake and avoid weight gain. This combination of bingeing and purging distinguishes bulimia from other eating disorders. Anorexia nervosa centers on severe restriction and a markedly low body weight, often with an intense fear of gaining weight, rather than a pattern of bingeing followed by purging. Binge eating disorder involves recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory behaviors to counteract the intake, so weight may be normal or higher rather than typically underweight. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder focuses on limited food intake for reasons like sensory sensitivity or lack of interest, not driven by body weight concerns or purging after binges. The vomiting described here is the hallmark compensatory behavior that points to bulimia nervosa.

The pattern being tested is bulimia nervosa, which involves recurrent binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, with self-induced vomiting being the most classic example. During a binge, a person consumes an unusually large amount of food in a short period and feels a loss of control over eating. Afterward, they engage in behaviors like vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, or fasting to undo the caloric intake and avoid weight gain. This combination of bingeing and purging distinguishes bulimia from other eating disorders.

Anorexia nervosa centers on severe restriction and a markedly low body weight, often with an intense fear of gaining weight, rather than a pattern of bingeing followed by purging. Binge eating disorder involves recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory behaviors to counteract the intake, so weight may be normal or higher rather than typically underweight. Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder focuses on limited food intake for reasons like sensory sensitivity or lack of interest, not driven by body weight concerns or purging after binges. The vomiting described here is the hallmark compensatory behavior that points to bulimia nervosa.