Bulimia

People with Bulimia go through binge and purge episodes. That is when they will eat a large quantity of food in a relatively short period of time, then they purge either in the form of laxatives of self-induced vomiting. Men and women suffering Bulimia are usually aware they have an eating disorder. Fascinated by food they sometimes buy magazines and cook-books to read recipes, and enjoy discussing dieting issues. Some signs of Bulimia are recurring episodes of rapid food consumption fallowed by tremendous guilt and purging, feelings of lacking control over their eating behaviors, regular taking part in rigid diets and exercise, the misuse of laxatives, diet pills, and a continuing concern with body image. A sufferer will often hide or "store" food for later binges, will often eat secretly and can have large fluctuations in their weight.  It is important to know that what makes a person Bulimic (as opposed to Anorexic) is not purging, but the cycle of binging and purging. Those suffering from bulimia may seek episodes of binging and purging to avoid and let out feelings of anger, depression, stress or anxiety.