What eating disorder is associated with self-induced vomiting to maintain thinness?

The eating disorder that involves self-induced vomiting as a means to maintain a thin appearance is bulimia nervosa. Individuals with bulimia nervosa often engage in cycles of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives. This disorder is characterized by a focus on body image and weight control, leading to unhealthy and dangerous behaviors surrounding food intake and self-perception.

Understanding bulimia nervosa is crucial for recognizing the complexities of eating disorders and the psychological issues intertwined with them. It emphasizes the importance of addressing both the behavioral and mental health aspects when providing care and support for individuals experiencing this condition. The other disorders mentioned, such as anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and orthorexia, have different characteristics that do not center around the cycles of binge eating and purging that define bulimia nervosa.