Identifying The Signs And Symptoms Of Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and obsession with weight loss.
The disorder is an overwhelming battle between weight loss and mass consumption of food. Bulimia affects men and women of all ages.
Symptoms of Bulimia
Bulimia can be detected by observing the physical appearance of someone with the eating disorder. Calluses or scars on the knuckles or hands is one of the most prominent signs of a bulimic, since those with the disorder regularly induce vomiting with their fingers or hands. Discolored teeth are also an indication of bulimia, caused by consistent exposure to stomach acid. The exposure may make teeth look yellow, ragged or clear.
One of the less obvious symptoms of bulimia includes average weight. Men and women with bulimia are usually normal weight, with slight fluctuations.
Signs of Binging and Purging
There are a number of distinct signs that indicate a person might be bulimic. Signs of binging include secrecy around eating, eating large amounts of food and alternating between underrating and overeating. Signs of purging include going to the bathroom after meals and the smell of vomit.
Binge and Purge Cycle
Bulimia is characterized by its destructive binging and purging cycle. A person with bulimia will refuse to eat, then binge when the body responds with powerful cravings onset by food deprivation. The result of binging is purging on previously “forbidden” food, and so on.
Weight Loss Myth
Purging does not prevent weight gain, which is why most people with bulimia never lose weight and instead gain it. Induced vomiting, laxatives and diuretics are almost entirely ineffective in generating weight loss. Any change in weight is due to loss of “water weight”, not true weight loss.
You Might Be Bulimic If…
- You’re obsessed with your body and weight.
- Food and dieting dominates your life.
- You take laxatives or induce vomiting to control weight.
- You feel guilty or depressed after eating.
- You eat until you feel sick.
Source: Help Guide
Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.