How does anorexia differ from bulimia in terms of eating behavior?

Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa are distinct eating disorders, each characterized by different patterns of eating behavior. The correct answer highlights that anorexia involves extreme dietary restriction, where individuals severely limit their food intake, often leading to significant weight loss and an intense fear of gaining weight. In contrast, bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge eating, where individuals consume large amounts of food in a short period, followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, excessive exercise, or fasting to offset the bingeing.

This differentiation is essential in understanding the psychological and physiological impacts of these disorders. Individuals with anorexia often exhibit a fixation on weight control through restrictive diets, while those with bulimia struggle with cycles of bingeing followed by purging, indicating a different relationship with food and body image. Recognizing these behaviors is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.