Which statement best defines a binge in bulimia nervosa?

Which statement best defines a binge in bulimia nervosa?

• A. Episodic, uncontrolled, compulsive rapid ingestion of a large quantity of food over a short period.
• B. Regular meals with occasional cravings.
• C. Consuming only fruit and vegetables for weight control.
• D. Skipping meals and fasting for extended periods.

Answer: (A)

A binge in bulimia nervosa is defined by an episodic, uncontrolled, rapid ingestion of a large quantity of food within a short period, during which the person feels a loss of control. This hallmark distinguishes a binge from ordinary eating or dieting patterns. In bulimia, such binges are usually followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, like vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise. The other patterns described—regular meals with occasional cravings, eating only fruit and vegetables, or skipping meals and fasting—do not capture the hallmark of a binge: a discrete episode of consuming an unusually large amount of food with a sense of loss of control.

A binge in bulimia nervosa is defined by an episodic, uncontrolled, rapid ingestion of a large quantity of food within a short period, during which the person feels a loss of control. This hallmark distinguishes a binge from ordinary eating or dieting patterns. In bulimia, such binges are usually followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, like vomiting, laxative use, fasting, or excessive exercise.

The other patterns described—regular meals with occasional cravings, eating only fruit and vegetables, or skipping meals and fasting—do not capture the hallmark of a binge: a discrete episode of consuming an unusually large amount of food with a sense of loss of control.