What does the term "bulimia" refer to?

The term "bulimia" specifically refers to a eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors to prevent weight gain. Individuals with bulimia often consume large amounts of food in a short period, accompanied by feelings of a loss of control during these episodes. After binge eating, they may engage in compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, using laxatives, fasting, or engaging in excessive exercise. This cycle of binge and purge can have serious health consequences, both physically and psychologically.

While the other choices might reflect behaviors related to eating disorders, they do not accurately define bulimia. For instance, extreme weight loss and inability to maintain weight may be more closely associated with anorexia nervosa, and compulsive exercising can be a behavior seen in various eating disorders, but it doesn't encapsulate the defining characteristic of bulimia, which is the binge and purge cycle.