Which term involves distortion of body image and cycles of overeating followed by purging or fasting?

• A. Anorexia
• B. Obesity
• C. Malnutrition
• D. Bulimia

Answer: (D)

Bulimia involves a pattern of binge eating paired with compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, along with a distorted view of one’s body. People experience recurrent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period and feel a loss of control during these binges, then engage in purging (such as self-induced vomiting or laxative/diuretic use), fasting, or excessive exercise to offset the calories. The emphasis on body shape and weight in self-evaluation is a hallmark of this disorder. This combination of binge-purge cycles and body image distortion aligns with bulimia, whereas the other terms describe different weight-related conditions or eating disorders without this specific binge-purge pattern.