What kind of behaviors are associated with bulimia nervosa?

The behaviors associated with bulimia nervosa primarily include cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors. Individuals with bulimia nervosa typically engage in episodes where they consume a large quantity of food within a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control. This is known as binge eating. Following these episodes, they may employ various compensatory methods to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or misuse of laxatives and diuretics. This cycle can lead to significant physical and psychological complications and is a hallmark characteristic of bulimia nervosa.

In contrast, options such as extreme restriction of food intake and long-term avoidance of food altogether are more representative of anorexia nervosa, which is marked by severe dietary restriction and an intense fear of gaining weight. Maintaining a stable weight through exercise does not accurately depict the behavior patterns seen in bulimia, as individuals with bulimia typically engage in bingeing and purging behaviors rather than structured and healthy weight management through exercise.