Which eating disorder involves binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or laxative use?

• A. Binge Eating Disorder
• B. Bulimia Nervosa
• C. Anorexia Nervosa
• D. Pica

Answer: (B)

The pattern being tested is binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. This combination defines bulimia nervosa: repeated episodes of eating a large amount with a sense of loss of control, then behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise to counteract the intake. These cycles often occur despite concern about body shape or weight, and they can occur over several months.

This helps distinguish bulimia from other disorders. Binge Eating Disorder involves binge eating without the regular purging or compensatory actions that come after a binge. Anorexia Nervosa centers on extreme weight loss and restrictive intake, with weight typically well below normal, though a binge-purge subtype exists, the primary issue is underweight rather than the binge-purge cycle itself. Pica involves eating nonnutritional substances, not related to binge-purge behavior.