Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. Someone with bulimia may experience episodes of binge-eating, followed by behaviours to prevent weight gain.
Behaviours may include vomiting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives. These cycles are often driven by a need to regain control or manage difficult emotions. They can have serious effects on both physical and mental health.
In this resource, we’ll explain the signs of bulimia, who it can affect, what causes it, and how it can be treated. We’ll also explore the risks of leaving bulimia untreated and how to find support if you or someone you care about is struggling.
Table of contents
- About bulimia
- Who can be affected by bulimia?
- Signs of bulimia
- When you should see a GP
- How is bulimia diagnosed?
- What treatment is available for bulimia?
- Looking for support with bulimia?
About bulimia
Bulimia is a serious mental health condition that affects the way a person eats, thinks about food, and sees their body.
It’s characterised by cycles of binge eating. This is eating a large amount of food in a short time, followed by behaviours to try and ‘undo’ the binge. This might include making yourself sick, taking laxatives, fasting, or exercising excessively.
These behaviours are often kept secret, which can make bulimia difficult to spot. People living with bulimia may appear to be a healthy weight and, from the outside, it might seem like nothing is wrong. But behind the scenes, they may be struggling with overwhelming feelings of guilt, shame, and a lack of control.
What causes bulimia?
There isn’t one single cause of bulimia. Like many mental health conditions, it’s often the result of a combination of factors. Some of the things that may increase the risk of developing bulimia include:
- genetics
- family history
- emotional wellbeing
- pressure from society
What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia?
Anorexia and bulimia are two of the most well-known eating disorders. However, they affect the body and mind in different ways.
Anorexia nervosa is typically marked by extreme restriction of food. A person with anorexia may avoid eating, count calories obsessively, or exercise excessively to lose weight or prevent weight gain.
Bulimia nervosa involves cycles of binge-eating followed by behaviours to prevent weight gain.
Who can be affected by bulimia?
Bulimia can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or body type. While it’s often thought of as a condition that affects young women, it also impacts men, older adults, and people of all backgrounds.
You do not have to be underweight to have bulimia. In fact, many people with bulimia are within a typical weight range or may even be overweight. This can make it harder for others to recognise the condition.
What matters most is how someone feels about eating, their body, and the behaviours they use to cope.
Signs of bulimia
Bulimia can be difficult to spot, especially from the outside. But some common behaviours and signs may indicate someone is struggling:
- Binge eating: One of the main symptoms of bulimia is binge eating. This means regularly eating large amounts of food in a short space of time, often in secret. During a binge, it can feel like you’ve lost control over how much or how quickly you're eating.
- Purging: After bingeing, a person with bulimia will usually try to rid the body of the food. This is known as purging. This might involve vomiting, taking laxatives, over-exercising, or fasting to ‘make up’ for what they’ve eaten.
Other signs of bulimia can include:
- Feeling guilty or ashamed after eating
- Going to the bathroom straight after meals
- Hiding food or eating in secret
- Sore throat or swollen cheeks
- Tiredness or dizziness
- Changes in weight, although this isn’t always visible
- Mood changes, such as anxiety or depression
Bulimia can take a toll on both physical and mental health. Health risks include:
- Dehydration
- Heart problems
- Damage to the stomach, throat, or teeth
- Hormonal disruption
- Fertility issues
- Long-term digestive problems
- Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts
When you should see a GP
If you think you might have bulimia, or any other type of eating disorder, it’s important to speak to your GP. You might feel unsure or embarrassed, but you won’t be judged. Your physical and mental health matter, and early support can make a big difference.
Even if you're not sure whether your symptoms “count” as an eating disorder, it’s still worth having a conversation. You deserve help and support.
What to do if you’re worried about someone else
If you're concerned that someone you care about might have bulimia, there are signs to look out for. These can include eating large amounts of food quickly, eating in secret, regularly going to the bathroom after meals, or exercising excessively.
The most important thing is to be kind, non-judgemental, and patient. Let them know you’re there for them and encourage them to talk. Try to avoid commenting on their appearance or weight. Instead, focus on how they’re feeling.
How is bulimia diagnosed?
To diagnose bulimia, you will need to be assessed by a GP. They will discuss your eating habits, your mental health, and any physical symptoms you may be experiencing.
It might feel hard to have this conversation, but it is the start of a supportive journey. If your doctor thinks that you have bulimia, or another eating disorder, they can refer you to an eating disorder specialist.
What treatment is available for bulimia?
The most effective treatments for bulimia generally include talking therapies, medications such as antidepressants, and support from nutrition specialists.
Usually, a combination of these methods is offered. Those suffering with the condition may also find a lot of benefit from having family, friends, or partners supporting them throughout their journey.
Looking for support with bulimia?
If you are looking for support with bulimia or treatment tailored to your symptoms, you can call us on 0203 326 9160 or request a confidential call back from one of our trained assistant psychologists.
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