Bulimia Nervosa Summary
Individuals with bulimia nervosa are typically intermittent dieters, consuming low-calorie “safe foods” while bingeing on high-calorie “permitted” foods. A binge eating disorder is characterized by the inability to control the quantity or type of food consumed in a short period of time. Typically, binge behavior is concealed and accompanied by feelings of guilt or humiliation. A person can binge and consume a large amount of food in a very brief period of time. This consumption rate may induce nausea and discomfort. [4]
At least weekly binge eating is frequently followed by compensatory eating patterns. Fasting, purging, laxative abuse, and compulsive exercise are examples of such behaviors. Similarly to anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa sufferers are preoccupied with food, weight, or body structure, which negatively impacts their self-esteem.
Those with bulimia nervosa are frequently underweight, of normal weight, overweight, or even obese. If they are underweight, however, they are diagnosed with anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging type rather than bulimia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa patients may appear normal and not be underweight, and their behaviors may go undetected by those who are closest to them.
