Final answer:
Binge-purge behavior is symptomatic of bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by purging to avoid weight gain. It can lead to severe health issues and an increased risk of mental health disorders. Binge eating disorder, on the other hand, involves repeated binges without purging but is accompanied by guilt and significant health risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Binge-purge behavior, which consists of episodes of overeating followed by purging through self-induced vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or engaging in excessive exercise, is symptomatic of an eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa. Individuals with bulimia often consume large quantities of food during binge episodes and then, due to an extreme fear of weight gain, attempt to compensate by purging the food from their bodies. These behaviors can lead to several serious health issues, including electrolyte imbalances, irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, heart failure, tooth decay, and an increased risk of mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression.
Contrary to bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder involves repeated episodes of binge eating without subsequent purging behaviors but is followed by feelings of guilt and emotional distress. This can lead to excessive weight gain, obesity, and associated health risks like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.