Bulimia is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia may secretly binge — eating large amounts of food — and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. For example, someone with bulimia may force vomiting or do excessive exercise. Sometimes people purge after eating only a small snack or a normal-size meal.
Bulimia may be described this way:
- Frequent episodes of consuming very large amount of food followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting.
- A feeling of being out of control during the binge-eating episodes.
- Self-esteem overly related to body image.
Bulimia can be categorized in two ways:
- Purging bulimia – you regularly self-induce vomiting or misuse laxatives, diuretics, or enemas after eating
- Nonpurging bulimia – you use other methods to rid yourself of calories and prevent weight gain, such as fasting, strict dieting, or excessive exercise.
People with bulimia are preoccupied with weight and body shape, and may judge themselves severely and harshly for self-perceived flaws. Because it’s related to self-image — and not just about food — bulimia can be difficult to overcome. But effective treatment can help you feel better about yourself, adopt healthier eating patterns, and reverse serious complications.
Dallas Counseling for Bulimia