What two main behaviors characterize Bulimia Nervosa?

Binge eating and purging define Bulimia Nervosa as a primary eating disorder. Individuals suffering from this condition experience recurrent episodes of consuming large quantities of food in a short period, known as binge eating. This behavior is often followed by compensatory actions, such as purging, which can include self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or other methods aimed at preventing weight gain.

The disorder is characterized by a cycle in which the individual struggles with feelings of lack of control during binge episodes, combined with an intense fear of gaining weight and a distorted body image. Recognizing these two key behaviors is essential for understanding Bulimia Nervosa and differentiating it from other eating disorders, which may present with different patterns of behavior such as simply restricting food intake or other compensatory behaviors that do not include binge eating.