Bulimia is characterised by a vicious cycle of binge-purge behaviours and feelings of a loss of control over eating. Bingeing can occur in response to attempts to restrict food intake to lose weight or to emotional distress, and is followed by purging behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting, in an attempt to prevent weight gain.
Feelings of guilt, disgust and shame are common before, during and after the binge episode. Low self esteem, emotional problems, or stress can both cause and maintain the disorder. A person with bulimia may have frequent weight changes or may maintain an average or just above average body weight, meaning the disorder can go unnoticed for a long time.
Some common symptoms of bulimia are:
- secretive hoarding of food, or abnormal amounts of money spend on food
- low mood or increased irritability, mood swings
- feelings of guilt after eating
- sore throats, tooth decay or frequent mouth infections
- heart burn, stomach pains or intestinal problems
- swollen hands, feet or ankles, puffy cheeks
- dehydration
- dry or poor skin
