Which eating disorder is characterized by an invisible nature?

The eating disorder characterized by an invisible nature is bulimia nervosa. This disorder involves recurring episodes of eating large quantities of food (bingeing) followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting or the use of laxatives, to prevent weight gain. The key aspect of bulimia that contributes to its "invisible" nature is the fact that individuals with this disorder often maintain a weight that is within a normal range or may even appear to be of average weight. As a result, the physical signs of the disorder may not be as evident as in anorexia nervosa, where individuals typically exhibit significant weight loss and associated physical health problems.

Additionally, because the bingeing and purging cycles are often done in secret, those affected may hide their behaviors from friends, family, and even professionals, making the disorder less visible to others. This secrecy can contribute to the misconception that the person may not be struggling with a serious eating disorder, despite the psychological and physical risks involved.