Bulimia (Bulimia Nervosa) is described as a vicious cycle where a person eats a large amount of food in one go (bingeing) and then tries to ‘get rid’ of the food (purging) to stop weight gain.
Common methods of purging include being sick or taking laxatives (medication that makes you go to the toilet).
Possible Behavioural & Physical Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia:
- Regularly eating large amounts of food in a short time regularly (bingeing).
- Making themselves sick, taking laxatives to make them go to the toilet, or exercising a lot (purging).
- A distorted image of their body shape or weight that does not match reality.
- Secretive eating.
- Feelings of shame and guilt after eating.
- Changes in mood, such as experiencing low mood, depression or being anxious.
- Difficulty sleeping, low levels of energy, tiredness and difficulty concentrating.
- Substance misuse.
- Thick, hard parts of the skin on the hands (calluses), caused by forcing themselves to be sick.
- Sore throat, damage to teeth or bad breath.
- Having digestive problems, such as stomach pains, constipation and bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- In people who menstruate, their periods may stop.
This video shows a lived experience of bulimia:
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