Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia (say "boo-LEE-mee-uh") is an eating disorder that causes people to eat a large amount of food in a short time (binge). Then, in order to prevent weight gain, they do something to get rid of the food (purge), like vomit, exercise too much, or take laxatives.

A person who has bulimia may be a normal size and deny that there's a problem. But over time, it can cause serious health problems. With treatment, many people can stop the binge-purge cycle.

Current as of: January 31, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & W. Stewart Agras MD, FRCPC - Psychiatry

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