Detecting Bulimia in Binge Eaters

DETECTING BULIMIA IN BINGE EATERS

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is often characterized by binge eating that is often followed by frantic efforts to lose weight, usually by purging or by taking in laxatives. Individuals diagnosed with bulimia nervosa tend to be extremely concerned with their weight.

However, bulimics just cannot control their tendency or their compulsion to binge and so these binges are often followed by purging, vomiting, fasting and even starving themselves for days in order to make up for whatever imagined weight gain. In order to break this vicious binge and purge cycle, it is important to detect eating disorder symptoms related to bulimia early on.

The more common symptoms of bulimia nervosa include overeating uncontrollably to the point of discomfort. Bulimics who binge may tend to hide what they eat and when they eat to avoid shame. Most of the time these episodes of overeating are followed by frequent trips to the bathroom in order to force themselves to throw up.

Often, they will emerge with bloodshot eyes as a result of vomiting. They may try to disguise as well the smell of vomit with gum and may turn the faucet on so that people outside the bathroom will not hear them while they vomit. Aside from vomiting, bulimics will purge themselves by abusing laxatives and starving themselves for a few days.

Carefully observe members of your family and loved ones for obvious signs and symptoms of bulimia and other eating disorders. Bear in mind that these eating disorders take its toll not just on the body but on the mental and emotional well being of the person as well.