Bulimics are obsessive about their weight, size and shape. However, they are also consumed by the need to eat high quantities of food. Bulimics often feel empty, as if they could never get their fill. They can eat and eat and eat but never sate their intense hunger. A bulimic can eat a surprising amount of food in a short period of time and be unaware of exactly how much food he/she ate. They have very little control over their consumptive practices.

Unfortunately, control is at the root of the problem. A person with bulimia nervosa feels that he/she tries very hard to get control over his/her eating. They desperately want to feel in control so they over-compensate for the bingeing by engaging in the purge behaviors as a form of punishment. Bulimia Nervosa is a very common ailment amongst adolescent and adult young women, typically found in those who are high achievers. These women are generally near-normal or of normal weight. They don’t “look” sick so no one thinks they have an eating disorder at first glance. Since those with Bulimia Nervosa like to hide their condition, this works to their advantage in a twisted way.

A bulimic may learn the behavior from other members of her family. There is evidence to suggest that there is an environmental and/or a genetic component to the condition. Researchers also believe that many bulimics may also suffer from chronic depression and that they crave certain foods because of low serotonin levels in the brain. Certain antidepressants and therapeutic treatments have been helpful in treating the condition, but it does take time.

Symptoms of bulimia may include, but are not limited to:

• Uncontrollable eating,
• Purging,
• Laxative use,
• Preoccupation with appearance, dieting, weight, etc.,
• Fasting,
• Vigorous exercise,
• Vomiting,
• Using the bathroom after meals,
• Depression or mood swings,
• Feeling and/or acting out of control,
• Swollen glands in neck and/or face,
• Heartburn,
• Bloating,
• Indigestion,
• Constipation,
• Irregular Periods,
• Dental Problems (Discoloration of Teeth, etc.),
• Sore Throat,
• Weakness,
• Bloodshot Eyes,
• Fatigue and more.

Bulimia is a serious condition that threatens a person psychologically. Medically speaking it can damage a person’s health over the long-term. In the short-term it is not as life-threatening as other eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa, however, vomiting and the loss of electrolytes, for example are not good for the heart and can cause digestive problems that may require surgery. Depressed persons are at increased suicide risk as well and treatment should be sought to deal with those issues at once.

Bulimia is not a healthy or a realistic way to maintain or reduce weight. It is an addictive behavior that can severely alter one’s body chemistry in a negative manner. A bulimic should seek treatment and ask for help. There is no need to fear the assistance. There are a variety of kind, caring professionals who are able to provide compassionate aid. With a combination of counseling, behavioral therapy and perhaps medication, the average bulimic can go on to live a healthy and long life.

For more information, visit:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, HHS
Phone: (866) 615-NIMH (6464)
Internet Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov

National Mental Health Information Center, SAMHSA, HHS
Phone: (800) 789-2647
Internet Address: http://www.mentalhealth.org

Academy for Eating Disorders
Phone: (847) 498-4274
Internet Address: http://www.aedweb.org

National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders
Phone: (847) 831-3438
Internet Address: http://www.anad.org

National Eating Disorders Association
Phone: (800) 931-2237
Internet Address: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org