Bulimia Nervosa Overview
Individuals with bulimia nervosa are usually alternate dieters, eating only low calorie “safe foods” while bingeing on high calorie “permitted” foods. A binge eating disorder is characterized by eating an incredibly large amount of food quickly without being able to control what or how much one is eating. In most cases, binge behavior is secretive and accompanied by feelings of shame or embarrassment. A person can binge very widely and consume a great deal of food in a very short time. These rapid consumptions may cause nausea and discomfort. [4]
Binge eating takes place at least weekly and is often followed by compensatory eating habits. Fasting, vomiting, laxative misuse, or compulsive exercise can be among them. The obsession with food, weight, or shape that bulimia nervosa sufferers have is also similar to that of anorexia nervosa, negatively impacting their self-worth.
Individuals having bulimia nervosa are often underweight, normal weight, overweight, and even obese. However, if they are underweight, they are considered to have anorexia nervosa binge-eating/purging type, rather than bulimia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa sufferers may appear normal as well as not look underweight, and their behaviors can be hidden, going unnoticed by those close to them.