Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is characterised by an often secretive cycle of binge eating followed by purging. Bulimia includes eating large amounts of food (ie more than most people would eat in a meal) over a short period of time and then "compensating" or getting rid of the food by vomiting, laxative abuse or over-exercising.

Some symptoms include:

• Repeated episodes of binge eating and purging, often resulting in feelings of shame and self-hatred.
• Feelings of being out of control during a binge and eating beyond comfortable fullness.
• Purging after a binge (this may include vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diet pills or diuretics, excessive exercise or fasting).
• Extreme concern with weight and shape. 
• Frequent dieting

Health Risks of Bulimia Nervosa

Recurrent bingeing and purging can place a great deal of stress on the body and can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances that may effect the heart and other major organs.

Effects of vomiting:

• Tooth decay, erosion of enamel and staining due to exposure to stomach acid.
• Enlarged or swollen salivary glands.
• Abdominal pain.
• Sore throat.
• Indigestion and heartburn.
• Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeat and
  
• in rare cases heart failure or death. Dehydration and loss of sodium and potassium cause electrolyte imbalance.
• There is a slim chance of gastric rupture from excessive vomiting.

Effects of laxative abuse:

• Chronic irregular bowel movements.
• Dehydration which may lead to an electrolyte imbalance. 
• Bowel disease.
• Bleeding (may lead to anaemia).
• Constipation.

Effects of diuretic abuse:

• May lead to a serious condition called hypokalemia where the body loses too much potassium. This may cause disturbances in the heart's rhythm and may even cause it to stop.
• Dehydration.

For more information, visit the National Eating Disorders Collaboration _here.