Bulimia Symptoms

Bulimia

Bulimia is a condition where sufferers typically purge food they have eaten by self-induced vomiting, use of laxatives or other means. Some do not purge, but compensate for eating by over-exercising or fasting. Purging is not necessarily used to lose weight. It may be used to demonstrate control or for punishment.

A larger percentage of people have bulimia than have anorexia. Approximately 4% of college-aged women are bulimic. About 20% of bulimics are male.

Bulimia Symptoms

Those with bulimia symptoms can frequently hide their affliction, because bulimics often maintain a normal body weight. Physical signs indicating bulimia symptoms may include swollen glands, discolored teeth and calluses on the hands caused by self-inducing vomiting.

When investigating bulimia symptoms, look for evidence of bingeing and purging. Bingers may hide food. Excessive amounts of food containers and wrappers are also evidence of bingeing. Evidence of purging may include the frequent smell of vomit, excessive trips to the bathroom after meals, and excessive exercise taking place in spite of weather, illness, injury or other factors. Frequent purchasing of laxatives or diuretics, or disposal of packaging for such products is another sign of someone with bulimia symptom who may be bingeing and purging.

Bulimics are always extremely concerned with their body weight and shape, and they may have a distorted image of their body. Those with bulimia symptoms often create complex schedules to make time for bingeing and purging. They are often socially withdrawn, and become obsessed with weight loss and controlling food.

Bulimia symptoms can include laxative addiction; electrolyte imbalances, which can cause heart failure; ulcers; bowel damage; inflammation and sometimes tearing of the esophagus, and tingling in the hands and feet. Depression is common among individuals with bulimia eating disorder symptoms.

Helping Someone With Bulimia

If you suspect you or someone you know has bulimia symptoms, do something about it. Bulimia is a life-threatening disease. Seek professional counseling immediately.

To learn more about Walden Behavioral Care's bulimia treatment programs, contact Walden at 781-647-6700 or Info@waldenbehavioralcare.com.