An estimated 1.1 percent to 4.2 percent of females have bulimia nervosa in their lifetime. Usually a response to depression, stress, or self- esteem issues, symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

• Recurrent episodes of binge eating, characterized by eating an excessive amount of food within a discrete period of time and by a sense of lack of control over eating during the episode. Binge foods are usually whatever the person considers "comfort foods," e.g., pastries, ice cream, potato chips, candy.

• Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other medications (purging); fasting; or excessive exercise.

• The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months.

• Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight
Because purging or other compensatory behavior follows the binge-eating episodes, people with bulimia usually weigh within the normal range for their age and height. However, like individuals with anorexia, they may fear gaining weight, desire to lose weight, and feel intensely dissatisfied with their bodies.

People with bulimia often perform the behaviors in secrecy, feeling disgusted and ashamed when they binge, yet relieved once they purge.

Medical Complications To Be Taken Seriously:

Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents;

Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food;

Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting);

Stomach Ulcers;

Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus;

Abnormal buildup of fluid in the intestines;

Disruption in the normal bowel release function;

Electrolyte imbalance;

Dehydration;

Irregular heartbeat and, in severe cases, heart attack;

A greater risk for suicidal behavior;

Decrease in libido.

Statistics

• Bulimia affects about 10% of college age women in the United States.

• About 10% of individuals diagnosed with bulimia are men.

• 10% of individuals suffering from bulimia will die from
either starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications, or suicide.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health