Bulimia nervosa is a disorder in which a person loses control of healthy eating habits. They may consume large amounts of food in a short time (binge eating) and then induce vomiting (purging) to balance out the extreme eating. People with bulimia may also engage in other extreme behaviors, such as exercising excessively or misusing laxatives.
Poor body image and shame are often at the root of bulimia, though other factors may play a part in causing the disorder. Dieting in an attempt to reach an unnatural weight for their body type can lead to binge-eating behavior and bulimia.
Some of the signs of bulimia include dramatic weight loss, frequent trips to the bathroom after a meal, binge eating, and use of laxatives. Physical symptoms and complications include gastrointestinal problems, muscle cramping, heart pain and irregular heartbeats, and seizures.
Though some of the physical consequences of bulimia are irreversible, recovery is possible. Treatment for bulimia may involve cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressant medications, both to help deal with compulsive thoughts and behaviors.
If you or someone you care about shows signs and symptoms of an eating disorder such as bulimia, seek help.