Those who struggle with bulimia nervosa may be slightly underweight, normal weight, overweight, and even obese. Patients diagnosed with bulimia typically binge eat before purging the food. The fear of gaining weight, stomach pain, or guilt of binging are common reasons for purging. Purging can be accomplished with forced vomiting, laxatives, enemas, and diuretics. This cycle can be repeated several times a day or several times a week. This condition is often noticed by friends or family as those with bulimia nervosa do not become drastically thin.

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Common symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

  • Eating rapidly in short periods
  • Eating until uncomfortably full or when not hungry
  • Fear of gaining weight
  • Feeling out of control during binges
  • Low self-esteem influenced by body shape and weight

Physical symptoms of bulimia nervosa include:

  • Chronically inflamed sore throat
  • Constant vomiting
  • Frequent reflux 
  • Intestinal problems
  • Severe dehydration 
  • Tooth decay or loss due to weakened enamel from frequent exposure to stomach acids