Bulimia is an eating disorder called bulimia nervosa. It affects people’s thoughts, emotions, and eating behaviors. Individuals with bulimia might have episodes where they eat a large amount of food in a short period of time, known as binge-eating. They often feel like they can’t control their eating during these episodes. Afterward, they experience intense guilt and anxiety about their eating habits.

To compensate for the binge episodes, people with bulimia engage in unhealthy behaviors. One common method is purging, which involves self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives or diuretics to get rid of the food. Some individuals may also excessively exercise or restrict their food intake to balance out the binge-eating.

Bulimia can have serious consequences on a person’s health. Frequent vomiting can damage the teeth and gums, cause problems with the digestive system, and lead to dehydration or imbalances in electrolytes. Constantly changing weight can affect the body’s ability to regulate hormones and can even damage organs like the heart and kidneys.

It’s important for individuals with bulimia to seek help from healthcare professionals, such as doctors and therapists who specialize in eating disorders. Treatment may involve therapy to address the underlying emotional issues and develop healthier coping strategies. Nutrition counseling may also be beneficial to establish a balanced approach to eating.