What is the eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging?

The eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging is known as bulimia nervosa. Individuals with this condition often engage in episodes of consuming large amounts of food in a short period, which is followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Such behaviors can include self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives.

Bulimia nervosa is distinct from other eating disorders; for example, anorexia nervosa primarily involves severe restriction of food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight, typically without the binge-purge cycle. Binge eating disorder includes episodes of binge eating as well, but it does not involve purging behaviors; instead, individuals with this condition may struggle with feelings of guilt and shame after binge eating but do not take compensatory actions. Orthorexia refers to an unhealthy obsession with eating foods that one considers healthy, but it does not specifically involve the binge-purge cycle associated with bulimia.

Understanding bulimia nervosa helps highlight the complexity of eating disorders and the importance of appropriate diagnosis and treatment.