Bulimia nervosa involves binge eating and which compensatory behavior?

• A. Purging
• B. Fasting
• C. Excessive exercising
• D. Isolation

Answer: (A)

Bulimia nervosa is defined by binge eating followed by actions intended to counteract the calories and prevent weight gain. Purging is the compensatory behavior most closely linked with this pattern. It involves efforts to eliminate food from the body, such as self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives or diuretics. While fasting or excessive exercise can also serve as ways to compensate, purging is the classic and most recognizable behavior associated with this condition. Isolation isn’t a compensatory behavior aimed at weight control, so it doesn’t fit the pattern of bulimia.