Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

Common Signs of Bulimia

Individuals with bulimia nervosa have recurrent episodes of binge eating, coupled with inappropriate behaviors to undo the effects of binging and prevent weight gain.

Typical behaviors include:

• Self-induced vomiting
• Misuse of laxatives, diet pills, or diuretics (water pills)
• Fasting
• Excessive exercise
• Restricting their total caloric consumption between binges by selecting low-calorie or diet foods and avoiding foods they perceive as fattening or that might trigger a binge episode

Symptoms of Bulimia

Individuals with bulimia nervosa often resemble those with anorexia nervosa in their:

• Fear of gaining weight
• Desire to lose weight
• Dissatisfaction with their bodies

Individuals with bulimia nervosa typically are within the normal weight range, although some may be slightly underweight or overweight, and a few may be obese.