Symptoms of Bulimia
Symptoms of bulimia can be both physical and behavioural. Because many people with the disorder hide their behaviours, the most visible symptoms of bulimia may go unnoticed until medical or psychological problems become severe.
The hallmark behavioural symptom is the binge-purge cycle. During a binge, an individual may eat large amounts of food — often rapidly and in secret — followed by purging. Purging may include self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
People with bulimia often experience intense feelings of shame, guilt, and loss of control during and after these episodes. The pattern becomes compulsive, with the binge-purge cycle sometimes occurring multiple times a day.
Other behavioural signs include frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, excessive concern with weight or body shape, rigid dieting followed by loss of control, and hiding or hoarding food. Individuals may appear to eat normally in public but engage in disordered behaviours privately.
Physical symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, irregular heartbeats, sore throat, swollen salivary glands, and gastrointestinal distress. Vomiting can lead to dental enamel erosion, mouth sores, and bad breath. Calluses or scars on the knuckles — known as “Russell’s sign” — may be visible from repeated use of fingers to induce vomiting.
Symptoms of Bulimia
Irregular or absent menstrual periods are common in women. Men may experience hormonal imbalances or reduced libido. Both genders may suffer from dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can become life-threatening if not treated.
Emotional symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, and low self-worth often accompany the eating disorder. People with bulimia may isolate themselves, avoid social meals, and struggle with perfectionism or impulsivity.
Many individuals do not appear underweight and may maintain an average or above-average weight. This makes symptoms of bulimia harder to detect compared to anorexia, where weight loss is more obvious.
If you or someone you know shows signs of bulimia, early intervention is critical. The sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of full recovery and prevention of long-term damage.
[Next: Diagnosis of Bulimia →]
