Engaging in episodes of consuming large amounts of food followed by vomiting or excessive exercise is characteristic of which disorder?

The disorder characterized by engaging in episodes of consuming large amounts of food followed by behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise is bulimia nervosa. This eating disorder involves a cycle of binge eating—where individuals consume an extraordinary quantity of food in a short period—which is typically followed by compensatory actions to prevent weight gain. These compensatory behaviors can include self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, fasting, or excessive exercise.

Bulimia nervosa often includes an underlying preoccupation with body image and weight, causing individuals to struggle with feelings of shame and guilt associated with their eating behaviors. The repetitive nature of bingeing followed by purging or similar compensatory routines demonstrates the hallmark features of this disorder, emphasizing the struggle between the desire to control weight and the impulse to eat compulsively.

Each of the other disorders listed has distinct traits that differentiate them from bulimia nervosa, such as the focus on extreme restriction in anorexia nervosa, excessive eating without purging in binge eating disorder, and an unhealthy obsession with clean eating in orthorexia. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying and providing appropriate support for individuals facing eating disorders.