People with Bulimia tend to be preoccupied with their weight and body shape. They often judge themselves harshly for self-perceived flaws. Because it’s related to self-image — and not just about food — bulimia can be hard to overcome. But effective treatment can help people feel better about themselves, adopt healthier eating patterns and reverse serious complications.
It is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia may secretly binge — eating large amounts of food with a loss of control over the eating — and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way.
When to see a doctor. If you or someone you care about has any bulimia symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. If left untreated, bulimia can severely impact your health.
Talk to your primary care provider or a mental health professional about bulimia symptoms and feelings. If you or your loved one is reluctant to seek treatment, confide in someone about what you’re going through, whether it’s a friend or loved one, a teacher, a faith leader, or someone else you trust. He or she can help you take the first steps to get successful bulimia treatment.Check out these resources on Bulimia Nervosa from the Mayo Clinic .
Bulimia Signs and Symptoms May Include:
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Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight.
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Living in fear of gaining weight.
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Repeated episodes of eating abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting.
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Feeling a loss of control during bingeing — like you can’t stop eating or can’t control what you eat.
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Forcing yourself to vomit or exercising too much to keep from gaining weight after bingeing.
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Using laxatives, diuretics or enemas after eating when they’re not needed.
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Fasting, restricting calories or avoiding certain foods between binges.
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Using dietary supplements or herbal products excessively for weight loss.
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To get rid of calories and prevent weight gain, people with bulimia may use different methods. For example, people may regularly self-induce vomiting or misuse laxatives, weight-loss supplements, diuretics or enemas after bingeing. Or other ways to get rid of calories and prevent weight gain, such as fasting, strict dieting or excessive exercise may be used.
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Check out these resources on Bulimia Nervosa from the Mayo Clinic .