EATING DISORDERS—BULIMIA

Bulimics usually engage in a secret cycle of bingeing and purging. Bingeing is a compulsive consumption of large amounts of food in a short period of time. Purging is an attempt to ride the body of the calories from bingeing. Some forms of purging are: over-exercise, use of laxatives, diuretics, Ipecac, vomiting, fasting, or diet pills.

Bulimia Nervosa Warning Signs

Bulimia symptoms may include:

• Abnormal bowel functioning
• Damaged teeth and gums
• Swollen salivary glands in the cheeks
• Sores in the throat and mouth
• Bloating
• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Irregular heartbeat
• Sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands
• Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea)

Emotional and behavioral symptoms of bulimia may include:

• Constant dieting
• Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior
• Eating until the point of discomfort or pain
• Self-induced vomiting
• Laxative use
• Excessive exercise
• Unhealthy focus on body shape and weight
• Having a distorted, excessively negative body image
• Going to the bathroom after eating or during meals
• Hoarding food
• Depression or anxiety