What is the characteristic feature of Bulimia?

The distinctive feature of Bulimia is characterized by binge eating followed by purging. This eating disorder involves consuming large quantities of food in a short period, typically accompanied by feelings of loss of control during the eating episode. After these binge sessions, individuals often engage in purging behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise, in an attempt to prevent weight gain or to compensate for the binge eating.

Understanding this pattern is crucial for recognizing the disorder, as it highlights the cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviors that distinguishes Bulimia Nervosa from other eating disorders. The other options do not accurately describe the key elements of Bulimia. Severe food restriction is more aligned with Anorexia Nervosa, while extreme physical activity may be a behavior associated with various eating disorders but is not a defining characteristic of Bulimia. Dieting without any episodes of binging is indicative of a more restrictive eating pattern rather than the hallmark cycle seen in Bulimia.