Bulimia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting designed to undo or compensate for the effects of binge eating.
Primary Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
- Regular intake of large amounts of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating behavior
- Regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive or compulsive exercise
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape
Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
- Evidence of binge-eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or the existence of wrappers and containers indicating the consumption of large amounts of food
- Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics
- Excessive, rigid exercise regimen--despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury--the need to "burn off" calories taken in
- Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
- Calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self-induced vomiting
- Discoloration or staining of the teeth
- Creation of complex lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge-and-purge sessions
- Withdrawal from usual friends and activities
- Behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns
Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa
- Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss of potassium and sodium from the body as a result of purging behaviors.
- Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting
- Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse
- Gastric rupture is an uncommon but possible side effect of binge eating
About Bulimia Nervosa
- Bulimia nervosa affects 1-2% of adolescent and young adult women.
- Approximately 80% of bulimia nervosa patients are female (Gidwani, 1997).
- People struggling with bulimia nervosa usually appear to be of average body weight.
- Many people with bulimia nervosa recognize that their behaviors are unusual and dangerous to their health.
- Bulimia nervosa is frequently associated with symptoms of depression and changes in social adjustment.
Description adapted from the National Eating Disorders Association.
