Bulimia : Binging and Purging ○ Bulimia is an eating disorder that affects mainly girls and women, but boys and men can be bulimic.   ○ It is often hard to tell if a person is bulimic because people who suffer from bulimia tend to be the right weight for their size or even overweight.    ○ Eating a huge amount of food, eating until feeling ill, and over-eating are all signs of bulimia. The cause of this eating disorder is unknown.   ○ Terrified of gaining weight after an eating "binge", a person who suffers from bulimia will "force" themselves to get rid of the food they have just eaten.       ○ Bulimics "purge" by using laxatives, and by forcing themselves to vomit (throw up). Purging is done in private, usually right after eating.   ○ Bulimics may suffer from damaged tooth enamel due to constant throwing up, because of stomach acid eating away at it.   ○ Bulimics may suffer from weak intestinal muscles, constipation, and dehydration due to the frequent use of laxatives.   ○ Bulimics may develop weak muscles, irregular heartbeats, and suffer from kidney damage.   ○Some bulimics may show signs of anorexia one day and bulimia the next. It is possible to be anorexic and bulimic at the same time.

○ Bulimics tend to be average or overweight ○ Bulimics may suffer from weakness and general fatigue   ○ Bulimics can easily become constipated and dehydrated   ○ Bulimics may suffer from tooth enamel loss and cavities   ○ Bulimics may develop dry skin and weak hair and nails   ○ Bulimics often complain about abdominal pain   ○ Girls and women may stop menstruating   ○ Bulimics are terrified of gaining weight from the foods they have just eaten ○ Bulimics may hate their body size and shape   ○ Bulimics can eat up to 20,000 kcals (Calories) a day   ○ Bulimics tend to binge on "comfort" foods two or more times a day   ○ Bulimics tend to hide and deny their disorder. They purge and binge privately       Bulimics need professional help   Bulimics need love and support