Body size distortion in bulimia nervosa

Body size estimation was studied in normal weight women with bulimia nervosa and a matched group of normal controls in order to determine whether bulimia nervosa patients overestimate their body size and whether they do so to a greater degree than women who are not suffering from an eating disorder. Estimation of five body locations was measured objectively with adjustable markers. Percentage of over- or underestimation was determined by the ratio of estimated to actual body size. Relative to control subjects, bulimia nervosa subjects significantly overestimated the size of their bust, waist, hips, and abdomen. Both groups overestimated the size of their face. Compared with previous studies of body size estimation in anorexia patients, the present study suggests that body size distortion might be less extreme in patients with bulimia nervosa.