American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS) Practice Test

Which eating disorder involves a lack of control over eating habits?

1. Anorexia

2. Bulimia

3. Obesity

4. Diabetes

The correct answer is: Bulimia

The eating disorder that involves a lack of control over eating habits is bulimia. Individuals with bulimia often experience episodes of binge eating, during which they consume large quantities of food in a short period and feel a sense of loss of control during these episodes. This is typically followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. In contrast, anorexia is characterized primarily by restrictive eating and an intense fear of gaining weight, rather than a loss of control over eating habits. Obesity is a condition related to excessive body weight but does not inherently indicate a lack of control over eating; rather, it is often the result of various factors including lifestyle, metabolism, and environmental influences. Diabetes, on the other hand, is a medical condition related to blood sugar regulation and is not classified as an eating disorder. Therefore, bulimia is the correct choice, as it specifically involves the experience of losing control over eating.