Which of the following is a symptom of bulimia nervosa?

Study for the VirtualSC Health Exam. Ace it with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Get ready with detailed explanations!

Using laxatives to remove food from the body is indeed a symptom of bulimia nervosa. This eating disorder is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. People with bulimia may consume large amounts of food in a short period and then engage in purging behaviors, which can include the use of laxatives, vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise. The use of laxatives is particularly associated with attempts to quickly eliminate food from the digestive system and can lead to serious health issues.

While excessive exercise and strict dieting can be associated with other eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, they are not defining symptoms of bulimia. Additionally, overeating vegetables does not align with the characteristic patterns of bulimia since it typically involves binge eating foods high in calories. Thus, the use of laxatives during episodes of bulimia is a key behavior that distinguishes it from other eating disorders.

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