Eating disorders such as bulimia will not only completely transform a person’s appearance but will also affect one’s behavior and personality.

A simple explanation of bulimics is that they eat large amounts of food and then throw up (binge-eating and purging). The first step to prevention is to recognize the symptoms. Here is an overview of bulimia, as well as the most common symptoms of eating disorders.

Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by purging. A binge is an episode whereby an individual eats a much larger amount of food than would most people in a similar situation.

Binge-eating is usually a response to depression, stress, or self-esteem issues. During a binge episode, an individual experiences a loss of control.

Some methods of weight control for bulimics include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, and a compulsive need to exercise. People with bulimia can appear perfectly normal; many of them are of normal weight and some are even overweight.

Moreover, binge-eating and purging is often performed in secret, making it difficult to determine whether or not a person is suffering from bulimia.

Although there is currently no known definite cause of bulimia, there are warning signs to be considered.

Signs of bulimia

–        Uncontrollable eating

–        Inappropriate weight control methods – strict dieting, fasting, vomiting, vigorous exercise, or abuse of laxatives or diuretics

–        Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals

–        Preoccupation with body weight and/or body image

–        Consummation of foods mostly high in calories

–        Depression or mood swings, feeling out of control

–        Heartburn, bloating, indigestion, constipation, weakness, exhaustion

–        In women, irregular menstrual periods

If you have a friend or family member who suffers from an eating disorder, your emotional support is important. Recommend that they see a doctor and/or a counselor who can help them in their battle against the illness.

As in the case of many other diseases, be prepared to meet denial, resistance, and anger from the sufferer. Learn to recognize the symptoms of eating disorders in order to prevent their escalation. It may save someone’s life.