Bulimia Nervosa

While many individuals have concerns about weight or appearance, individuals with bulimia nervosa have a severe preoccupation with their body size. This preoccupation is characterized by periods of compulsive overeating as well as periods of either purging or restriction in order to compensate for the amount of food consumed. However, the most common is a cycle of bingeing and purging. 

Common warning signs of bulimia nervosa include: 

• Eating large amounts of food (bingeing)
• Purging after beginning by vomiting, over-exercising, fasting, or using laxatives 
• Weight change, including weight loss or weight gain
• Swelling in the face
• Tooth pain or discoloured teeth
• Bloating
• Dehydration
• Calluses or cuts on the hands/knuckles as a result of purging 
• Restricting food intake 
• Guilt and anxiety 
• Purging, or often taking trips to the bathroom after meals 
• Anxiety, especially in social settings 
• Concern with body weight or shape 

Bulimia nervosa can often occur alongside depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, self-harm, social anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as PTSD or a history of trauma. 

 

These binging and purging behaviours can cause several health problems including: 

• Sore throat or esophagus, or mouth sores 
• Decaying teeth, caused by exposure to stomach acid when vomiting
• Fluctuating weight 
• Gastrointestinal problems 
• Dehydration 
• Bad breath
• Low blood pressure 
• Abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, or death