What are typical signs of bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by a cycle of binge eating and compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain. Binge eating involves consuming large amounts of food in a short period of time, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control. Following these episodes, individuals typically engage in compensatory behaviors, such as purging through vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise to counteract the effects of the binge. This pattern is a hallmark of bulimia nervosa, making it a critical sign of the disorder.

The other options do not align with the typical signs of bulimia nervosa. For instance, excessive exercise and strict dieting may indicate a different eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa or a form of disordered eating behavior, but they do not capture the binge and purge cycle. Consistent weight gain over time is also inconsistent with bulimia, as many individuals suffering from this disorder maintain a fluctuating weight due to their compensatory behaviors. Lastly, complete avoidance of food relates more closely to anorexia nervosa, where individuals severely restrict their caloric intake rather than binging and purging. Thus, option B accurately reflects the critical features of bulimia nervosa.