Final answer:
The false statement about bulimia nervosa is that individuals with the disorder are usually overweight. In reality, people with bulimia often maintain a normal weight but engage in bingeing and purging behaviors driven by a preoccupation with body image, along with experiencing anxiety or depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that is FALSE about individuals diagnosed with bulimia nervosa is that they are usually overweight. Typically, people with bulimia can have a normal weight, but they are intensely preoccupied with their body weight and shape. This preoccupation often leads to recurring episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives to prevent weight gain. Despite the misconception, not all individuals with bulimia are overweight.
Those diagnosed with bulimia nervosa are often anxious or depressed, and most do recover from the disorder with appropriate treatment. The process of recovery includes therapy and sometimes medication and tends to focus on establishing healthier eating patterns, addressing psychological issues related to the disorder, and treating any co-occurring mental health conditions.