Bulimia nervosa, like anorexia nervosa, is an eating disorder that centers around control. One of the most common eating disorders, bulimia is characterized by consuming large amounts of food and then ridding the stomach of its contents by way of vomiting, over-exercising, or use of laxatives.

Eating to excess (called the "binge") is comforting to bulimics. But eating too much causes them to feel out of control. They also feel guilt, shame, and a fear of weight gain which causes them to "purge." This "binge and purge" cycle is extremely dangerous and can lead to serious and long-term health problems, like tooth decay, gum disease, loss of tooth enamel, osteoporosis, kidney damage, heart problems, and even death.

Because bulimia is harder to recognize than anorexia -- the symptoms are more subtle and bulimics are not always thin -- awareness is critical. Please consider these symptoms and physical effects of bulimia.

Symptoms of bulimia include:

• preoccupation with food
• binge eating, usually in secret
• vomiting and extreme use of laxatives or diuretics after binges
• menstrual irregularities
• compulsive exercise

Physical effects of bulimia are:

• dehydration
• chronic diarrhea
• extreme weakness
• damage to bowels, liver, and kidneys
• electrolyte imbalance and low potassium levels, which lead to irregular heartbeat, and in some cases, cardiac arrest
• tooth erosion from repeated exposure to stomach acid
• broken blood vessels in the eyes and a puffy face due to swollen glands, which are telltale signs of self-induced vomiting
• cuts and calluses across the fingers from thrusting a hand into the throat
• ruptured esophagus due to forced vomiting

For more on bulimia, click here.

For a look at a disturbing yet inspiring video about bulimia, click here.