Bulimia Nervosa is a psychological and severe life-threatening eating disorder described by the ingestion of an abnormally large amount of food in short time period, followed by an attempt to avoid gaining weight by purging what was consumed. Methods of purging include forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, and extreme or prolonged periods of exercising.
Often times, men and women with eating disorders may not appear as though they are struggling. Part of this is due to the fact that eating disordered behaviors are hidden and may not be as obvious to concerned family and friends. Binge and purge cycles are usually done in secret. This secrecy can allow individuals suffering with Bulimia to do so for several years before seeking help.
Bulimia can cause long-term health problems in almost every system in the body, including the cardiovascular, digestive, excretory, skeletal, reproductive, and nervous system.