Bulimia

Bulimia, or Bulimia Nervosa as it is known to scientists, is characterised by repeated episodes of binge eating, followed by purging behaviour, i.e. self-induced vomiting. Binge eating refers to the uncontrolled eating of large amounts of foodstuffs, often with a high caloric content. Apart from self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, excessive work-out, and strict dieting are also used as compensatory behaviours.

Bulimic behaviour often starts inadvertently during a diet. Since in our society dieting has become widespread among young girls and women, this disorder often begins during adolescence or young adulthood. Bulimia does occur in men, and apparently the number of cases are rising, but it is still primarily a disorder that concerns young women with a normal weight. The life-time prevalence among women is between 1 and 3%. For a considerable proportion, the disorder becomes chronic and is often accompanied by feelings of low self-worth, depression, and substance abuse.