What Is It?

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that involves repetitive binge eating: eating large quantities of food at one sitting, regardless of hunger. During the binge, the person feels out of control of the eating and cannot stop. The condition also involves behavior that is aimed at controlling weight, such as purging (self-induced vomiting). Individuals may also abuse laxatives, suppositories, enemas or diuretics, or they may go on an extended fast or exercise furiously.

Many individuals have symptoms that overlap with anorexia nervosa. In both bulimia and anorexia, the person may be preoccupied with weight and be very self-conscious about size and shape.

Women make up 85% to 90% of people with bulimia nervosa. In men, the nonpurging form of bulimia is more common than the purging form.

Often bulimia appears between the ages of 15 and 20, but it can develop earlier or later. The incidence in younger children is not well researched. The condition affects up to 4% of women over the course of a lifetime.

Although people with bulimia are afraid of becoming fat, most are of normal weight or only slightly overweight.

People with bulimia eat huge quantities of food - sometimes up to 20,000 calories at a time. The foods on which they binge tend to be "comfort foods" - sweet foods; foods high in calories; or smooth, soft foods such as ice cream, cake and pastries. People with bulimia may binge a few times a week, or as frequently as several times a day.

Like anorexia, bulimia wreaks havoc on the body. It can lead to dehydration from purging, chronic bowel problems from laxative use, tooth decay from excessive vomiting, and gastrointestinal difficulties. At its most destructive, bulimic behavior can lead to an irregular heartbeat, permanent heart damage and even death.

People with bulimia usually feel ashamed of their bingeing and purging behaviors. They are often impulsive and may have other addictive behaviors.

Many people with bulimia also have a history of anorexia or obesity. They also may have undiagnosed major depression, anxiety disorder, social phobia or panic disorder.