An eating disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by purging.

• A. Anorexia nervosa
• B. Bulimia nervosa
• C. Binge eating disorder
• D. Homeostasis

Answer: (B)

Understanding the pattern of binge eating followed by purging points to bulimia nervosa. This disorder is defined by recurrent episodes of eating a large amount of food in a short period with a sense of loss of control, followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, laxative use, or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain. The key idea is the cycle: binge then purge, which differentiates it from other eating issues. Anorexia nervosa focuses on extreme restriction and significantly low body weight, though some individuals may purge, the defining feature is persistent underweight. Binge eating disorder involves binge episodes without regular purging, so the compensatory behavior is missing. Homeostasis is a biological concept about maintaining internal balance, not an eating disorder.