A larger percentage of people have bulimia than have anorexia. Approximately 4% of college-aged women are bulimic. About 20% of bulimics are male.

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by bouts of extreme overeating (binging) followed by use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting (purging). Bulimia generally begins as an attempt to avoid weight gain, however the binge/purge cycle gets out of control and the individual finds herself unable to stop. See similar questions...

Bulimia, left undiagnosed, can be a life-threatening illness. Binging can lead to obesity and the plethora of health complications associated with obesity. These include, but are not limited to, heart disease, osteoarthritis, type II diabetes, and hypertension. More alarming, however, are the effects of constant purging. Purging through vomiting can lead to periodontal disease, inflammation of the jaw, salivary glands, and esophagus. See similar questions...

Bulimia Nervosa is a disorder characterized by recurrent (at least twice a week) episodes of binge eating during which the patient consumes large amounts of food and feels unable to stop eating, followed by inappropriate efforts to avoid weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, vigorous exercise, or fasting. See similar questions...

People who have bulimia nervosa routinely "binge", eating large amounts of food in a very short time, and immediately "purge", ridding their bodies of the food they just ate by self-inducing vomiting, taking enemas, or abusing laxatives or other medications. If not treated, this can lead to life-threatening problems. These can include depression, anxiety disorders, heart damage, kidney damage, injury to all parts of the digestive system, and severe dental damage. See similar questions...

Most bulimics also suffer from binge eating, where they uncontrollably overeat at meals, followed by periods of guilt and depression. This guilt drives them to perform intentional purging through vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas and other similar methods that in turn leads to negative effects on the digestive system, and the entire body. See similar questions...

The treatment of bulimia requires the full working together of therapists and patients. From a nutritional and spiritual support point of view, one might consider the Emerald Pentas™ 20 drops three times per day and the Hypericum Forte one capsule twice daily. Always consult your physician for a comprehensive care plan. See similar questions...

Bulimia, like many eating disorders, can go unrecognized for quite some time before symptoms become obvious. Often the actions and habits of someone with Bulimia, though considered somewhat odd, are not thought to be anything to worry about. Another difficulty in recognizing Bulimia arises from the fact that, as a general rule, those suffering from Bulimia look healthy. Unlike a person suffering from Anorexia, bulimics are often normal weight and may even be overweight. See similar questions...

While more research is needed before we understand the causes of bulimia and other eating disorders, we now know that several factors can lead to bulimia. While there is no single root cause, we believe that people with bulimia have a chemical imbalance in the brain that affects their behavior. A traumatic event, which may have taken place years before bulimia manifests itself, may also have an impact. See similar questions...

Bulimia is different from anorexia nervosa, another eating disorder. People who have anorexia eat so little that they become extremely thin. People who have bulimia may not be thin. They may be a normal size. They may binge in secret and deny that they are purging. This makes it hard for others to know that a person with bulimia has a serious problem. Has teeth marks or calluses on the back of her hands or swollen cheeks or jaws. These are caused by making herself vomit. See similar questions...

Eating disorders are serious, often fatal diseases. They should not be ignored, particularly since the chance for full recovery decreases significantly the longer the behaviors are left untreated. Treatment for Bulimia involves a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach. This involves psychotherapists, nutristionists, doctors, counselors, and other medical professionals. See similar questions...

There are many organizations geared toward helping those with eating disorders. Caution should be used, when searching for help, to make sure that the organizations and web sites are providing up to date, accurate information. Some organizations you may utilize are: See similar questions...

The first thing to remember is that you cannot force your child/friend to change her behavior. Trying to persuade, force, or 'guilt' the child in to changing will not work! Generally they already feel guilty for their behavior, and adding to that is not beneficial. If your friend or child is over 18, there is nothing you can do to make them stop. Your best option is to be a good listener. Provide them with a list of resources should they choose to seek help. See similar questions...

Health-and-Fitness] Bulimia is identified by two characteristic behaviors: bingeing and purging. The person with bulimia then purges him or herself by inducing vomiting, excessively exercising, or by using laxatives. Health-and-Fitness] Bulimia may be caused by a genetic component. Certain genes may predispose a person to developing bulimia. Bulimia appears to run in families-people with relatives suffering from bulimia have a higher frequency of developing bulimia. See similar questions...