WHAT IS BULIMIA NERVOSA?
Bulimia is an eating disorder in which individuals eat excessive amounts of food, then purge by making themselves vomit or using laxatives (American Psychological Association). Purging compensates for overeating and is often accomplished by forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, fasting, excessive exercise, or a combination of these behaviors (NIMH).
SYMPTOMS OF BULIMIA
- Normal weight is usually maintained
- Intensely unhappy with body shape and size
- Purging several times a week to several times a day
- Secretive binge eating followed by severe shame and disgust (NIMH)
LONG TERM SYMPTOMS OF BULIMIA
- Chronically inflamed and sore throat
- Swollen salivary glands in the neck and jaw area
- Worn tooth enamel, increasingly sensitive and decaying teeth as a result of exposure to stomach acid
- Acid reflux disorder and other gastrointestinal problems
- Intestinal distress and irritation from laxative abuse
- Severe dehydration from purging of liquids
- Electrolyte imbalance which can lead to heart attack (NIMH)
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