Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder where the key components include binge eating followed by vomiting, use of laxatives, diet pills or exercise to prevent weight gain.  People with Bulimia often feel guilt, depression or self-disgust and they tend to suffer from mood disorders, although genetics may be a contributing factor.  Bulimia is thought to be a result of social, psychological and biological factors as well.

Body systems affected by long-term bulimia include:

• cardiac 
• blood 
• digestive 
• kidney 
• bone and hormone
• nervous system

If left untreated, depression, anxiety and thinking changes may also occur.  Counselling and diet monitoring may be used in conjunction with antidepressants to aid recovery.

Signs and Symptoms

• fear of gaining weight or becoming fat  
• overachieving in a variety of areas 
• problems with body image  
• denial of the behaviour  
• decreased or no menstrual periods, called amenorrhea  
• no eating followed by eating binges 
• excessive exercise, even if underweight  
• purging  
• unusual eating habits and rituals 
• frequent weighing

Reference:

Victorian Mental Health Services