Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa, often called bulimia, is a type of eating disorder whereby a person with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time (binges) and then tries to prevent weight gain by getting rid of the food, called purging. Purging might be done by throwing up or taking laxatives. Most bulimics, over 90%, are women. Bulimia is more than just a problem with food. A binge can be triggered by dieting, stress, or uncomfortable emotions, such as anger or sadness. Purging and other actions to prevent weight gain are ways for people with bulimia to feel more in control of their lives and ease stress and anxiety. Bulimia can be very harmful to the body. Bulimia can be treated and a healthy weight restored. The sooner bulimia is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome is likely to be.