Bulimia
This often goes ignored and can be missed. Sufferers often seem to be a healthy weight but they are usually in a cycle of binge eating and then purging themselves of the same calories by being sick or using laxatives.
Behavioural symptoms
- Binging on a large amount of food, usually until you feel uncomfortable
- Making yourself sick after binges
- Taking laxatives or diet pills
- Being secretive and lying about your eating habits
- Spending lots of money on food
Physical symptoms
- Bad breath and recurring mouth infections
- Constipation and stomach pains
- Puffy cheeks and dry or poor skin
- Sore throat
- Irregular periods or none at all
- Problems sleeping
- Fainting
Psychological symptoms
- Obsessive thoughts about body image and dieting
- Feeling emotional, depressed or guilty after binges
- Feeling out of control of your life
- Mood swings
Causes
- Low self esteem
- Stress
- Emotional problems
- Difficult Family or relationship
Similar to anorexia, people control food as a way of feeling more in control of their lives.
Those with bulimia tend to be more impulsive which makes them more likely to binge then purge.
Physical health risks
- Tooth decay due to vomiting
- Fertility issues
- Permanent constipation
- Kidney damage
- Abnormal heart beat
- Fits and muscle spasms
Finding Help
There are a number of national charities that are specialists in eating disorders. BEAT/Bulimia UK and overeaters anonymous are just a couple – You can see all of them via our national services section
We have also talked to a number of people on the chat chit podcast about their experiences including a the eating disorders team at CAMHS in York who have some tips for you