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

• Instances of defensive vomiting, also known as purging, are frequently reported.
• In addition, fasting, the consumption of laxatives, enemas, diuretics, and excessive exercise are commonly observed behaviours.

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 average 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 severe cases, several times a day and may directly cause:

• Dehydration and hypokalaemia  (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

Main image: https://unsplash.com/@marcelheil

Resources:

Top 20 Bulimia Facts – Signs, Symptoms, Diagnosis & More – Facts.net. https://facts.net/bulimia-facts/

Effects of Bulimia Nervosa | K12 Academics. https://www.k12academics.com/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa/effects