Bulimia is a specific type of eating disorder that is characterized by the patient’s intense fear of being fat. It involves a constant pattern of rapid excessive eating which is then succeeded by purging or forcing one’s self to vomit. Victims are also known to makes use of excessive amount of laxatives and bulimia is also often associated with over exercising. Below are some of the tell-tale signs of bulimia. If you see any of these symptoms on your loved one, be sure to get in touch with a professional for some help.
- Excessive fasting or not eating for extended periods is one of the most obvious signs of bulimia.
- The exercise habits of a person can also be a symptom. Is she exercising excessively after meals? Does she explicitly say why she’s exercising? (ex.: “I’ll have to run a couple of miles to burn that cake I just had.”)
- Fainting spells and dizziness is also a symptom of bulimia. Vomiting requires a lot of energy and by not letting the body consume the food one eats, it is left with very little nutrients. This may cause bulimics to feel fatigued and unable to perform their daily activities.
- Bulimics will also have an unhealthy preoccupation with weight, food, and physique. They are usually overly critical with how they look, especially after meals.
- Yoyo-ing of weight or the constant changes in weight is also an obvious sign. Not all bulimics constantly lose weight. Some may put on weight as fast as they lose them.
- Other telltale signs of vomiting include red knuckles, puffiness of the face, and tooth decay which is caused by the acids produced when throwing up.
- One of the most obvious signs of bulimia is frequent visits to the bathroom after meals. Bulimics usually purge their food right after they eat and the bathroom is the most common place where this is done.