What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a mental disease that causes people to eat a lot of food at once (called "binge eating") and then purge it out - either by forcing themselves to vomit or by using laxatives or enemas. It's different from anorexia nervosa in that people who have it can't stop themselves from eating - instead, they find dangerous ways to get rid of the extra calories.The Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia can be hard to spot, because its victims tend not to gain or lose that much weight. Still, there are some clues you can look for:- Bulimic people are obsessed with food, and they often eat way too much at meals without seeming to gain any weight.
- They also might skip some meals, as a way to balance out their calorie intake.
- They like to eat in private, so no one can see how much or how many times a day they're eating.
- Like people with anorexia, they might be obsessed with exercising as a way to burn off all those calories.
- They might go to the bathroom right after meals, so they can purge what they've eaten.
- Their cheeks might look swollen.
- Their teeth might be yellowed or clearish from all of the stomach acid that passes through them while vomiting.
- Also as a result of vomiting, their eyes might have broken blood vessels.
What to Do If You Think You're Bulimic
If bulimia's left untreated, it could lead to health problems like heart damage, teeth decay, acid reflux and kidney damage. In severe cases, it could even lead to death.If you think you have bulimia nervosa, you need to get help right away. The first step is telling someone your secret. Talk to your parents - or if that idea scares you too much, call the Eating Disorder Help Line. It's free, anonymous and available 24 hours a day.
Does Your Friend Have Bulimia?
If you think your friend might have bulimia, the worst thing you can do is ignore it. This friends with eating disorders tip sheet will tell you what to do instead.Famous People With Bulimia Nervosa
Because of the stress and body image obsession that goes hand in hand with being famous, celebrities are often at risk for eating disorders like bulimia nervosa. Some famous people who have admitted to having symptoms of bulimia:- Princess Diana
- Mary-Kate Olsen
- Kelly Clarkson
- Paula Abdul
- Britney Spears
- Lindsay Lohan
- Katharine McPhee
- Sally Field
- Geri Halliwell
- Joan Rivers
- Elton John
- Amy Winehouse
- Sharon Osbourne