Final answer:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which individuals binge eat and then purge through methods like vomiting or excessive exercise. It has both psychological and physical health consequences and differs from binge eating disorder, which does not involve purging.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating episodes, where large amounts of food are consumed in a short period. People with bulimia nervosa often engage in compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas, and excessive exercise.
These behaviors aim to purge the body of the consumed food. In addition to the physical actions, bulimia nervosa can have serious health consequences including electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, heart failure, and tooth decay. Many individuals with bulimia also experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, and an increased risk for substance abuse.
Bulimia nervosa differs from binge eating disorder in that the latter involves recurrent binge eating without the subsequent purging and is often associated with distress and guilt. Despite maintaining a normal weight in some cases, individuals with bulimia nervosa can suffer significant physical and emotional harm, requiring thorough medical and psychological attention.