3 Ways to Recognize Bulimia Symptoms

1. Learn the Symptoms

Bulimia is a highly secretive disorder accompanied by an abundance of shame, guilt and self-loathing. People struggling with bulimia consume enormous amounts of food in a short period (less than two hours), and then purge their food. Over 90% of people who purge use the self-induced vomiting method, according to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, DSM-IV." Other purging methods used are excessive exercise, fasting or inappropriate use of laxatives and diuretics.

Bulimic are not underweight like anorexics. They maintain a normal body weight. However, they both have distorted perceptions of body shape and size. They literally perceive themselves as overweight or even obese. Unfortunately, bulimia is rising, and professionals believe that the condition is underreported due to the shame associated with the disorder.

2. Watch for Behavioral Signs

If your friend or loved one is making continual trips to the restroom shortly after meals and returns smelling of vomit, suspect the disorder. Also look for disproportionate use of mints, mouthwash, and chewing gum to camouflage sour smelling breath. However, don't jump to conclusions. The next time your friend displays such behavior, try accompanying him to the restroom and see if he balks.

Note the disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods. If you notice three ice cream containers, two jars of peanut butter and two bags of candy vanish overnight, there may be a problem. Excessive and rigorous exercise after a meal, regardless of time, weather or other conditions, could indicate exercise-induced bulimia. If you frequently find empty packages of laxatives or diuretics in the medicine cabinet that also could be an indicator.

3. Check for Physical Signs

Discoloration and worn tooth enamel in the front teeth due to excessive vomiting, a sore, red throat, swollen cheeks and glands, calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles and severe dehydration are all physical signs of bulimia. Prolonged and frequent purging can lead to an electrolyte imbalance that can have serious medical effects.

Bulimia is a serious medical condition and typically lasts for a number of years once the binge and purge behaviors have been established. Similarly to an addiction, the bulimic becomes addicted to using the binge and purge cycle as a coping mechanism for underlying emotional issues. Therefore, the sooner a person suffering with bulimia receives psychological, nutritional and medical help, the better the long-term outcome for recovery.