What distinguishes bulimia nervosa from anorexia nervosa?

• A. Bulimia involves binge eating with compensatory behaviors and often normal weight; electrolyte disturbances are common
• B. Bulimia always results in underweight
• C. Anorexia involves binge eating with lack of compensatory behaviors
• D. Both disorders always present with identical weight status

Answer: (A)

Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are distinguished mainly by eating patterns and body weight. Bulimia involves recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors (such as purging, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise) to prevent weight gain, and individuals are often within a normal weight range. Electrolyte disturbances are common due to purging. Anorexia nervosa, in contrast, centers on restrictive eating that leads to significantly low body weight, with a strong fear of gaining weight and distorted body image. While both conditions can involve eating-related behaviors and health risks, the key difference is the presence of bingeing with compensatory acts and typical normal weight in bulimia, versus restricted intake with underweight in anorexia.