What best describes bulimia?

The correct answer is eating disorder.

Key Points

• Bulimia Nervosa, often referred to as simply bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by periods of binge eating followed by attempts to purge the body of the consumed food. This may be done by inducing vomiting or taking laxatives, with the intent to expel the body of the calories consumed during the binge-eating phase​. 
• Binge eating refers to consuming a large amount of food in a short period of time. Following a binge, an individual with bulimia may engage in fasting, excessive exercise, or the use of diuretics or stimulants to compensate for the binge and to lose weight. Despite these behaviors, most individuals with bulimia maintain a normal weight​.
• Bulimia is frequently associated with other mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and bipolar disorder. There is also a higher risk of self-harm and suicide among individuals with bulimia​​.
• The disorder is more common among individuals who have a close relative with the condition, suggesting a genetic component. Other risk factors include psychological stress, cultural pressure to attain a certain body type, poor self-esteem, and obesity. Living in a culture that promotes dieting or having parental figures who focus on weight can also contribute to the development of bulimia​1​.
• Diagnosis of bulimia is based on a person's medical history, which can be challenging as individuals with this disorder often keep their binge eating and purging habits secret. Other disorders with similar symptoms include anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, Kleine–Levin syndrome, and borderline personality disorder​1​.
• Bulimia often involves rapid and out-of-control eating, which may stop when the person is interrupted or when the stomach hurts due to over-extension. This cycle may be repeated several times a week or, in severe cases, several times a day. Possible direct health consequences include chronic gastric reflux, dehydration and hypokalemia due to renal potassium loss, electrolyte imbalance leading to abnormal heart rhythms or even death, esophagitis, and oral trauma​.
• Additional physical signs of bulimia include Russell's sign (calluses on the knuckles and back of hands due to repeated trauma from inducing vomiting) and perimolysis, or severe dental erosion due to frequent vomiting​​.

Additional Information

• Bulimia Nervosa is a serious mental health disorder that requires professional treatment.
• Therapies may include cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling.