Definition
Signs/Symptoms
Physical/Medical
Bulimia is characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging to try and rid the body of unwanted calories. A binge is different for all individuals. For one person a binge may range from 1000 to 10000 calories, for another, one cookie may be considered a binge. Purging methods usually involve vomiting and laxative abuse. Other forms of purging can involve excessive exercise, fasting, use of diuretics, diet pills and enemas.
Bulimics are usually people that do not feel secure about their own self worth. They usually strive for the approval of others. They tend to do whatever they can to please others, while hiding their own feelings. Food becomes their only source of comfort. Bulimia also serves as a function for blocking or letting out feelings. Unlike anorexics, bulimics do realize they have a problem and are more likely to seek help.
- Binge eating
- Secretive eating (food missing)
- Bathroom visits after eating
- Vomiting
- Laxative, diet pill or diuretic abuse
- Weight fluctuations (usually with 10-15 lb range)
- Swollen glands
- Broken blood vessels
- Harsh exercise regimes
- Fasting
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Severe self-criticism
- Self-worth determined by weight
- Fear of not being able to stop eating voluntarily
- Self-deprecating thoughts following eating
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Tooth decay
- Irregular heartbeats
- Avoidance of restaurants, planned meals or social events
- Complains of sore throat
- Need for approval from others
- Substance abuse
- Ipecac abuse
Physical/Medical Complications
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Amenorrhea (loss of menstruation) and irregular menstruation
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeats
- Depression
- Tears of esophagus
- Hair loss
- Stomach pain and bloating
- Erosion of teeth enamel
- Chronic sore throat
- Kidney and liver damage
- Parotid gland enlargement
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Cathartic colon (caused from laxative abuse)
- Edema (swelling of hands and feet)
- Low blood pressure
- Chest pains
- Development of peptic ulcers and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Gastric dilation and rupture
- Abrasions on back of hands and knuckles
- Anemias
- Cardiac arrest and death
A very successful program that specializes in eating disorder treatment is the Milestones In Recovery Program. Their comprehensive program addresses all of the needs of both the affected individual and their family. You can follow this link to the 
Milestones In Recovery Website to learn more, and see how they can help you.
Additional Reading:
Bulimia Signs, Symptoms, and Dental Issues.
Treatment For Eating Disorders – Information about treatment, what to expect, resources.
Prozac Bulimia Treatment – Information on the effectiveness of using prozac to treat bulimia and other eating disorders.
Teenage Bulimia – How bulimia affects teens. Symptoms, physical effects, getting help.
Written by: Colleen Thompson
Resources:
-Surviving an Eating Disorder: Perspectives and Strategies for Family and Friends by Michelle Siegel, Ph.D., Judith Brisman, Ph.D., and Margot Weinshel, Ph.D. – Harper & Row Publishers, NY, 1988
-Walking A Thin Line by Pam Vredevelt and Joyce Whitman – Mullnomah Press, Oregon 1985
-Eating Disorders Handout – Sudbury General Hospital Eating Disorders Clinic (information for handout obtained from NEDIC)