Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by recurrent binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviours.

The most common form is defensive vomiting, sometimes called purging.

Fasting, the use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics and over-exercising are also common.

Fast Facts about Bulimia

• It’s rooted in compulsive habits.
• People with bulimia binge eat eleven times a week on average.
• People with bulimia can have normal body weights.
• Bulimia is associated with the highest suicide risk of any eating disorder.
• Bulimia is not always associated with vomiting.
• The average age when bulimia begins is 20.
• The recommended amount of care that someone receives while receiving professional treatment for an eating disorder is 3 to 6 months of direct supervision.
• It is estimated that eight out of 10 women who have received treatment for an eating disorder are act discharged from the treatment facility or care program too soon.
• The weight of the average  American fashion model: 45 kg
• The average weight of an American woman: 64 kg

Signs & symptoms

• These cycles often involve rapid and out–of–control eating.
• The binge eating may stop when the bulimic is interrupted by another person or the stomach hurts from overextension,
• The binge is followed by self-induced vomiting or other forms of purging.

This cycle may be repeated several times a week or, in more serious cases, several times a day and may directly cause:

• Dehydration and hypokaleamia  (potassium deficiency) are caused by frequent vomiting
• Electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac arrest and even death
• Oesophagitis (inflammation of the oesophagus)
• Oral trauma, in which repetitive insertion of fingers or other objects causes lacerations in the lining of the mouth or throat.
• Delayed emptying of the stomach
• Constipation
• Infertility
• Enlarged glands in the neck, under the jaw-line
• Peptic ulcers
• Scars on the backs of hands due to repeated trauma from incisors
• Constant fluctuations
• Erosion of tooth enamel
• Chronic gastric reflux after eating

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