What eating disorder is characterized by binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting and laxative use?

The eating disorder characterized by binge eating followed by behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, like vomiting or using laxatives, is bulimia. This condition typically involves cycles of excessive food intake, or binge eating, where individuals consume large amounts of food in a short period, often feeling a lack of control during the episodes. To mitigate the effects of binge eating and manage their weight, those with bulimia may resort to purging methods, which can include self-induced vomiting, diuretic use, or excessive exercise.

While anorexia is also an eating disorder and involves unhealthy behaviors related to weight control, it primarily focuses on extreme restrictions of food intake and an intense fear of gaining weight, rather than the binge-purge cycle characteristic of bulimia. Major Depressive Disorder and Somatization Disorder do not relate to eating behaviors in the same way and instead pertain to mood disturbances and psychological symptoms, respectively.