Facts About Eating Disorders
Bulimia
Nervosa
An estimated
1.1 percent to 4.2 percent of females have bulimia nervosa
in their lifetime. 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
- 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.
| Eating
Disorders | Anorexia
Nervosa | Bulimia
Nervosa |
| Binge-Eating
Disorder | Treatment
Strategies |
source:
nimh.nih.gov
|
