What behavioral characteristic is often seen in individuals with eating disorders?

Compulsive exercise is a significant behavioral characteristic often observed in individuals with eating disorders. This behavior typically manifests as an excessive, uncontrolled need to exercise, which can be driven by an extreme desire to lose weight or maintain a certain body image. Individuals may engage in strenuous exercise routines regardless of fatigue, injury, or adverse weather conditions. For those with eating disorders, exercise often becomes a way to compensate for food intake or to alleviate feelings of distress associated with their eating behaviors.

The other options describe behaviors that are generally not associated with eating disorders. Eating a balanced diet indicates a healthy relationship with food, which contrasts with the erratic and unhealthy eating patterns typically seen in individuals struggling with these disorders. Frequent social dining suggests an ability to engage in normal eating behaviors in social situations, which can be difficult for someone with an eating disorder due to anxiety or avoidance of food in social contexts. Mindful eating, which focuses on being present during meals and promoting a healthy relationship with food, is also generally not characteristic of eating disorders, where individuals might be preoccupied with food or their body image rather than enjoying the eating experience.