Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder where someone eats a large amount of food and then tries to undo it to avoid weight gain.
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Bulimia nervosa is a condition where a person experiences cycles of bingeing, which means eating a very large amount of food in a short time while feeling like they cannot stop. After these binges, the person feels intense guilt or fear, so they engage in purging, which means getting rid of the food by vomiting, using laxatives (medications that cause bowel movements), or over-exercising to control their weight.
This condition primarily affects the digestive system, including the mouth, throat, and stomach, but it also takes a heavy toll on the brain and heart. It happens because of a complex mix of how someone feels about their body, their brain's chemical signals, and outside pressures to look a certain way.
Common Symptoms
- Feeling out of control during eating episodes.
- Eating much more food than a typical person would in one sitting.
- Using self-induced vomiting or extreme amounts of exercise after eating.
- Constant worry about body shape and weight.
- Swollen cheeks or jaw area from frequent vomiting.
- Teeth that look worn down or yellowed from stomach acid.