EATING DISORDERS

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Bulimia is a serious eating disorder marked by binging, followed by methods to avoid weight gain.

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• It can last for years or be life-long.
• It is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder
• It is a mental disorder
• People with bulimia may have body weights that are considered, "normal"
• Societal pressure is one of the main causes of this disorder. 
• Bulimia may be genetic or inhibited by one's environment.
• Bulimia can affect both men and women of any age. 
• Bulimia can inhibit healthy reproduction. 

Binge eating, followed by steps taken to avoid weight gain. Most commonly, purging, or in other words, vomiting. Another common step people with Bulimia take to avoid weight gain is excessive exercising or fasting patterns. 

PEOPLE MAY EXPERIENCE

• Binge eating
• Compulsive behavior
• Impulsivity
• Self-harm
• Vomiting after overeating
• Lack of restraint
• Anxiety
• Discontent
• Guilt
• Mood swings
• Abnormality of taste
• Depression
• Poor self-esteem
• Sore throat

• Swollen salivary glands

• Rupture in the esophageal wall

• Inflammation of the esophagus

• Gastric reflux 

• Abnormal heart rhythms

• Peptic ulcers

• Constipation

• Dehydration and hypokalemia

Sources: 

“Bulimia Nervosa.” National Eating Disorders Association, 22 Feb. 2018, www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/by-eating-disorder/bulimia. 

Simon Sherry                    Professor and Director of Clinical Training. “Perfectionists More Likely to Develop Bulimia: New Research.” The Conversation, 2 Feb. 2021, theconversation.com/perfectionists-more-likely-to-develop-bulimia-new-research-104746.  

“Bulimia Signs & Symptoms.” Eating Disorder Solutions, 12 July 2021, eatingdisordersolutions.com/bulimia-treatment/signs-and-symptoms/.  

By Mayo Clinic StaffRequest an Appointment at Mayo ClinicDiagnosis & treatmentMay 10, 2018PrintShare on: FacebookTwitterShow references 

Although there is no way to for sure prevent Bulimia, here are some helpful practices suggested by the Mayo Clinic: 

• Have regular, enjoyable family meals.
• Avoid talking about weight at home. Instead, focus on having a healthy lifestyle.
• Discourage dieting, especially when it involves unhealthy weight-control behaviors, such as fasting, using weight-loss supplements or laxatives, or self-induced vomiting.
• Contact your primary care provider. 
• Consider supportively talking to a friend or someone you know who may be experiencing these issues and ask how you can help.

By Mayo Clinic StaffRequest an Appointment at Mayo ClinicDiagnosis & treatmentMay 10, 2018PrintShare on: FacebookTwitterShow references