Overview - Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder and mental health condition.

People who have bulimia go through periods where they eat a lot of food in a very short amount of time (binge eating) and then purge the food from their body to try to stop themselves gaining weight.

Purging could include making themselves vomit, using laxatives (medicine to help them poo) or diuretics (medicine that makes you pee more), fasting or doing excessive exercise, or a combination of these.

Anyone can get bulimia, but it is more common in young people aged 15 to 25.

Symptoms of bulimia

Symptoms of bulimia include:

• eating very large amounts of food in a short time, often in an out-of-control way – this is called binge eating
• making yourself vomit, using laxatives or diuretics, fasting, or doing an extreme amount of exercise after a binge to avoid putting on weight – this is called purging
• fear of putting on weight
• being very critical about your weight and body shape
• mood changes – for example, feeling very tense or anxious

These symptoms may not be easy to spot in someone else because bulimia can make people behave very secretively.

Read more about the symptoms of bulimia and warning signs in others

Getting help for bulimia

Getting help and support as soon as possible gives you the best chance of recovering from bulimia.

If you think you may have bulimia, see a GP as soon as you can.

They'll ask you questions about your eating habits and how you're feeling, and will check your overall health and weight.

If they think you may have bulimia or another eating disorder, they should refer you to an eating disorder specialist or team of specialists.

It can be very hard to admit you have a problem and ask for help. It may make things easier if you bring a friend or loved one with you to your appointment.

You can also talk in confidence to an adviser from the eating disorders charity Beat by calling their helpline on 0808 801 0677.

Getting help for someone else

If you're concerned that someone close to you may have bulimia, let them know you're worried about them and encourage them to see a GP. You could offer to go along with them.

Read more about talking to your child about eating disorders and supporting someone with an eating disorder.

Treatment for bulimia

You can recover from bulimia, but it may take time and recovery will be different for everyone.

Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and should take into account any other support you might need, such as for depression or anxiety.

If you're over 18, you'll probably be offered a guided self-help programme. This involves working through a self-help book or online programme, and often includes keeping a diary and making a plan for your meals.

You'll be supported by a therapist during this process. You may also be offered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

If you're under 18, you may be offered family therapy or CBT. This may be offered through your local children and young people's mental health services.

Read more about treatments for bulimia

Health risks of bulimia

Bulimia can eventually lead to physical problems associated with not getting the right nutrients, vomiting a lot, or overusing laxatives.

Possible complications include:

• feeling tired and weak
• dental problems – stomach acid from persistent vomiting can damage tooth enamel
• bad breath, a sore throat, or even tears in the lining of the throat – also caused by stomach acid
• irregular or absent periods
• dry skin and hair
• brittle fingernails
• swollen glands
• fits and muscle spasms
• heart, kidney or bowel problems, including constipation
• bone problems – you may be more likely to develop problems such as low bone density (osteopenia) particularly if you have had symptoms of both bulimia and anorexia

Causes of bulimia

We do not know exactly what causes bulimia and other eating disorders.

You may be more likely to get an eating disorder if:

• you or a member of your family has a history of eating disorders, depression, or alcohol or drug addiction
• you have been criticised for your eating habits, body shape or weight
• you're overly concerned with being slim, particularly if you also feel pressure from society or your job
• you have anxiety, low self-esteem or an obsessive personality
• you've experienced a stressful event or trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse

Binge-purge cycle

Bulimia is often a vicious cycle of binging and purging, triggered by things such as hunger, sadness or stress.

Periods of excessive eating and loss of control (binge eating) may be used as a way of coping with difficult emotions. You may then feel guilty or ashamed.

You then purge to get rid of the calories, leaving you feeling hungry again, and the cycle continues.

You may set very strict rules for yourself about dieting, eating or exercising.