What is the primary distinction between bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder?

The primary distinction between bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder lies in the presence of compensatory behaviors such as purging or excessive exercise. In bulimia nervosa, individuals engage in these behaviors as a way to counteract the effects of binge eating episodes, while individuals with binge eating disorder do not engage in these behaviors. This is a key criteria for diagnosing bulimia nervosa, but not for binge eating disorder. Additionally, individuals with bulimia nervosa may have a distorted body image and are more likely to be preoccupied with their weight and shape compared to those with binge eating disorder.