Which statement accurately describes bulimia nervosa in relation to weight?

• A. It always presents with underweight.
• B. Individuals may have a normal weight with purging behaviors.
• C. Purging is the only compensatory behavior used.
• D. There are no electrolyte disturbances.

Answer: (B)

Bulimia nervosa often involves normal or near-normal body weight despite recurrent binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors. This means a person can look and measure as typical weight even while engaging in purging or other methods to prevent weight gain. Purging is one option among several compensatory strategies; others include laxative or diuretic use, fasting, or excessive exercise. Electrolyte disturbances are common with purging behaviors, so a statement claiming there are no electrolyte disturbances would be misleading. Because weight can be normal with purging, the option that reflects normal weight with purging behaviors best describes bulimia nervosa in relation to weight.