Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which involves binge eating and then purging (e.g. making yourself vomit) in order to prevent weight gain.
Symptoms of bulimia nervosa
- Binge eating (eating a lot in one go) and then intentionally purging yourself to prevent weight gain. This can include making yourself vomit on purpose and taking laxatives (which make you go to the toilet).
- Feelings of guilt and depression from over-eating.
- Excessive exercising.
- Damage to the digestive system from the constant purging, including irritable bowel syndrome, dehydration and lack of essential vitamins and minerals, teeth erosion, sore throat and more.
The risks of having bulimia
It can be difficult to spot if someone has bulimia because they often look normal or even above normal in body weight (because of the constant cycles of binge eating and purging keeping the weight controlled). But purging has damaging effects on the body including:
- Malnutrition and dehydration.
- Lack of essential minerals and vitamins.
Even though people with bulimia may look a normal weight, their bodies aren't absorbing the essential nutirients they need. This can lead to organ failure, internal bleeding, heart attack and even death.
More information
You can find more information on bulimia and other eating disorders on these sites, as well as support for treatment:
Related External Links:
- The Beat
Telephone: 0845 634 7650
Text: 07786 20 18 20
Information for young people about eating disorders, how to get help and how to help someone you know with an eating disorder. - YoungMinds
Telephone: 020 7336 8445
YoungMinds is the national charity committed to improving the mental health of all children and young people.