• Bulimia is an eating disorder. Someone with bulimia might binge on food and then vomit in a cycle of binging and purging.

• Binge eating- quickly eating large amounts of food over short periods of time.

• Purging-forced vomiting, laxative use, excessive exercise, or fasting in an attempt to lose weight that might be gained from eating food or binging.

– Bulimia was only diagnosed as its own eating disorder in the 1980s.

– People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most of them are of normal weight, and some may be overweight.

– Women with bulimia tend to be high achievers.

– Bingeing and purging is often done in secret.

– Individuals suffering from Bulimia often deny their condition.

• Altered levels of the chemical serotonin in the brain play a role in Bulimia.

• Cultural factors are important in the development of eating disorders.

-Modern society's emphasis on health, in particular thinness, can greatly influence those who seek the acceptance of others.

Symptoms of Bulimia

• Eating uncontrollably • Purging • Strict dieting • Fasting • Vigorous exercise • Vomiting or abusing

laxatives or diuretics in an attempt to lose weight.

• Vomiting blood • Using the bathroom

frequently after meals. • Preoccupation with

body weight

• Depression or mood swings. Feeling out of control.

• Swollen glands in neck and face

• Heartburn • Bloating • Indigestion• Constipation• Irregular periods • Dental Problems• Sore Throat• Weakness • Exhaustion • Bloodshot eyes

– Dental cavities – Loss of tooth enamel – Enlarged salivary glands– Scars on the knuckles may be present as a

result of self-induced vomiting. – Signs of malnutrition or dehydration may be

present includingdry skin changes in the hair and nails

swelling of the lower legs and feetloss of sensation in the hands or

feet

• Bulimia affects about 10% of college age women in the United States.

• About 10% of individuals diagnosed with bulimia are men.

• 10% of individuals suffering from bulimia will die from either starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications, or suicide.

• Admit you have a problem. • Talk to someone• Stay away from people, places, and

activities that trigger the temptation to binge or purge.

• Seek professional help.

• Severe weakness or abdominal pain• Vomiting blood could indicate a tear

of the esophagus or stomach. • Many people with bulimia also suffer

from clinical depression• Contemplating suicide.

• There are certain professions where eating orders are more prevalent.

• Thinness is usually emphasized in these professions.

• The professions are: modeling, dancing, gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running.

•Bulimia can be overcome!

• Set a time to talk. • Tell your friend about your concerns. • Ask your friend to talk to a

professional.• Avoid conflicts. Don’t place shame,

blame, or guilt on your friend. • Don’t give simple solutions. • Let your friend know that you will

always be there no matter what.