Which feature is commonly observed in bulimia nervosa?

• A. Significantly low body weight
• B. Binge eating with compensatory behaviors and often normal weight, with electrolyte disturbances
• C. Absence of electrolyte disturbances
• D. Obsession with weight without eating issues

Answer: (B)

Bulimia nervosa is defined by recurrent binge eating with a sense of loss of control, followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain (such as self-induced vomiting, laxative ordiuretic misuse, fasting, or excessive exercise). Because these individuals often use purging or other methods, their weight is typically normal or near normal, not severely underweight. The purging and laxative behaviors frequently lead to electrolyte disturbances, such as low potassium, along with dehydration and acid-base changes. So the description that best fits bulimia nervosa is binge eating with compensatory behaviors and electrolyte disturbances, often with normal weight.

Other options don’t fit as well because significantly low body weight is more characteristic of anorexia nervosa; absence of electrolyte disturbances would be unlikely given purging; and an obsession with weight without actual eating issues describes preoccupation without the binge-purge pattern.