What is bulimia eating disorder

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These symptoms may not be easy to spot in someone else because bulimia can make people behave very secretively. Read more about the symptoms of bulimia and warning signs in others.

Getting help and support as soon as possible gives you the best chance of recovering from bulimia. They'll ask you questions about your eating habits and how you're feeling, and will check your overall health and weight.

If they think you may have bulimia or another eating disorder, they should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists. It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment. More often than not, people with bulimia can be treated as an outpatient — that is, they can work through their illness with the help of a psychologist while still living their day-to-day life, rather than being hospitalised.

Working with a psychologist can help people experiencing bulimia to develop coping strategies and tackle the root cause of their illness, such as low self-esteem and poor body image. Eating Disorders Victoria has put together a step-by-step guide take if you are concerned that you may be experiencing bulimia. Remember that you have the best chance of success if you include people you trust on your journey. You are one of thousands of people to visit this website today seeking information and support.

If you value the work of EDV, please consider joining our donor community by making a monthly or once-off donation. Your support can help people affected by eating disorders not only survive, but thrive. Coronavirus and Eating Disorders Visit the hub. What is Bulimia? Bulimia sufferer. What to look out for Behavioural signs If someone is developing bulimia, often changes in behaviour are noticeable before changes to physical appearance.

Signs include: Either frequently checking body shape or weight or avoiding looking at their body or checking their weight.

Comparing their body with those of others Eating large amounts of food bingeing Purging after bingeing by vomiting, over-exercising, using laxatives or diuretics, fasting Organising life around shopping, eating and purging behaviour Secrecy, especially about eating Hoarding food Mood swings Irritability Social withdrawal Misuse of laxatives and diuretics Misuse of alcohol Self-harm Compromise of education and employment plans Disappearing during or soon after eating in order to purge Excessive exercising Lack of sexual interest.

Psychological signs Spending a lot or most of their time thinking about food Feeling anxious and tense, especially around meal times or when eating in front of others Difficulty concentrating Low confidence and self-esteem Worries about weight and shape Fear of gaining weight Distorted perception of body shape or weight Feeling of loss of control over eating Feelings of guilt and shame after bingeing and purging Other mental illnesses, such as depression or anxiety.

Long term effects Bulimia can cause serious damage to the body. Long-term effects of bulimia include: Permanent damage to teeth Damage to the vocal chords and throat Damage to the intestines and stomach Increased risk of heart problems Kidney damage If left untreated, bulimia nervosa can cause long-term harm to the body and may even be fatal. What causes bulimia? Who can get bulimia?