Bulimia is characterized by which of the following behaviors?

Bulimia is primarily characterized by episodes of binge eating, where an individual consumes a large amount of food in a short period, followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. These compensatory behaviors often include purging methods such as self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or diuretics.

Binge eating followed by purging distinguishes bulimia from other eating disorders. While self-starvation and obsessive dieting may occur in disorders like anorexia nervosa, and excessive exercise might be a behavior seen in various eating disorders, the specific cycle of binging and subsequently purging is unique to bulimia. Understanding this defining characteristic is crucial for recognizing and treating the disorder effectively.