Identify Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa, also referred to as bulimia, is one of three common eating disorders that cause serious problems for people who suffer from them.

According to the National Institutes of Mental Health, the average age of onset for bulimia is 20 years old with more females being affected than males.

If you suspect that a loved one may be suffering from this disorder, it’s important to know the symptoms of bulimia, so that proper treatment can be obtained.

What Is Bulimia?

Bulimia is characterized by frequent, recurring episodes of eating large amounts of food (also called binge eating) followed by purging – vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, exercising or fasting to get “rid” of the food.

Unlike people who suffer from anorexia nervosa, those with bulimia may not be underweight, but may actually be overweight or normal weight.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia?

Symptoms of bulimia can include the following:

• • Recurrent, frequent overeating episodes followed by behavior that compensates for the overeating
• • Inflamed and sore throat
• • Swollen salivary glands
• • Worn enamel on teeth, resulting from ongoing exposure to stomach acid from vomiting
• • Acid reflux disorder
• • Gastrointestinal problems
• • Severe dehydration
• • Electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to a heart attack. An electrolyte imbalance is caused when a person has too high or too low levels of sodium, calcium, potassium and other important minerals.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health