Question

State how bulimia nervosa is different from anorexia nervosa.

Answer 1

Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are both eating disorders, but they are different.

• In bulimia, a person eats a lot of food (binge) and then tries to get rid of it by vomiting or using laxatives (purge). Their body weight is usually normal. In anorexia, a person eats very little because they are scared of gaining weight. They become very thin and underweight.
• Bulimia consists of eating and purging cycles, whereas anorexia is defined by constant restriction of food.
• Bulimia sufferers frequently feel out of control while bingeing, but anorexics are more controlled and concerned about food and weight.