Bulimia, or bulimia nervosa, is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
Key Features
- Binge Eating: Individuals consume large amounts of food in a short period, often feeling a lack of control during these episodes.
- Compensatory Behaviors: After bingeing, individuals may engage in behaviors.
- Such as:
- Self-induced vomiting
- Excessive exercise
- Fasting
- Misusing laxatives or diuretics
- Such as:
- Psychological Aspects: Bulimia often coexists with mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem. Body image distortion is common, leading to an intense fear of gaining weight.
Signs and Symptoms
Here are the key signs and symptoms of bulimia nervosa:
