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health advisory Hospital Mental Health 2007-11-15 19:01:44

Technically, bulimia is categorized in two ways:

Purging. People regularly engage in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics and enemas to compensate for binges.

Nonpurging. People use other methods to rid themselves of calories and prevent weight gain, such as over-exercising or fasting.

The attempt to rid one's self of extra calories is usually referred to as purging, no matter what the method actually is. Indeed, the lines between the two types of bulimia often blur or overlap. And in either case, signs and symptoms are similar.

Physical signs and symptoms of bulimia include:

1. Abnormal bowel functioning

2. Damaged teeth and gums

3. Swollen salivary glands in the cheeks

4. Sores in the throat and mouth

5. Bloating

6. Dehydration

7. Fatigue

8. Dry skin

9. Irregular heartbeat

10. Sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands

11. Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea)

12. People with bulimia tend to be at normal weight or overweight.

Emotional and behavioral indications

Emotional and behavioral characteristics associated with bulimia may include:

1. Constant dieting

2. Recurrent episodes of binge eating

3. Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior

4. Eating until the point of discomfort or pain

5. Eating much more food in a binge episode than in a normal meal or snack