Bulimia Nervosa
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa (commonly referred to simply as bulimia) is a disorder in which people frequently eat unusually large quantities of food (binges) during which they feel a lack of control over their eating, then compensate for overeating using unhealthy techniques (e.g., fasting, intentional vomiting, misuse of laxatives, enemas, diuretics or other medications, or excessive exercise).
For people with bulimia, self-esteem is excessively connected to their weight and body appearance.
Both uncontrolled eating and compensatory behaviors can cause serious, potentially fatal, medical complications.
Learn more about bulimia nervosa using these resources:
- National Eating Disorders Association
- Academy for Eating Disorders
- National Institute of Mental Health
Are you concerned that you might have bulimia nervosa?
See our resource database for a list of books, websites, and local options for seeking professional evaluations and treatment.
