Which of the following is NOT true of bulimia nervosa?

• A. Bulimia nervosa often leads to severe electrolyte imbalances and dental problems due to purging behaviors.
• B. Individuals with bulimia nervosa typically maintain a body weight within or above the normal range.
• C. Individuals with bulimia nervosa almost always experience significant weight loss and are underweight.
• D. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting or excessive exercise.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key characteristics of bulimia nervosa. It is an eating disorder marked by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors like vomiting, excessive exercise, or use of laxatives to prevent weight gain.
2. Step 2: Recognize the physical consequences of bulimia nervosa. Purging behaviors often cause severe electrolyte imbalances and dental problems due to repeated exposure to stomach acid.
3. Step 3: Note the typical body weight status of individuals with bulimia nervosa. Unlike anorexia nervosa, individuals with bulimia nervosa usually maintain a body weight within or above the normal range, rather than being significantly underweight.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the statement that individuals with bulimia nervosa almost always experience significant weight loss and are underweight. This contradicts the typical presentation of bulimia nervosa, making it the incorrect statement.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the statement about significant weight loss and being underweight is NOT true of bulimia nervosa, while the other statements accurately describe the disorder.