Which eating disorder is defined by recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory weight-loss behaviors such as vomiting or laxative use?

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

Answer: (A)

Bulimia nervosa is defined by a defining pattern: people have recurrent episodes of binge eating, where they consume a large amount of food in a discrete period and feel a loss of control, followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain. Vomiting and laxative use are classic examples of these purging attempts, and they distinguish this pattern from simply overeating. This combination—binge eating plus regular efforts to purge or counteract it—explains why bulimia nervosa fits best.

By contrast, anorexia nervosa centers on restricting intake and an intense fear of gaining weight, usually with very low body weight; binge eating with purging is not its hallmark. Binge Eating Disorder involves recurrent binge eating without the regular use of compensatory behaviors to offset the binges. Rumination Disorder involves regurgitating swallowed food, which is unrelated to the binge-purge cycle described here.