Signs Of Bulimia And Effects It Can Have On Your Body

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder, which unlike anorexia may not be as easy to spot, as people with bulimia may not show weight loss as an anorexic may. Bulimia is a compulsive disorder where one eats compulsively, to the point of over-eating, then purges the food by either use of laxatives or by throwing up. Bulimia can have a lot of negative effects on the body, some of which can be extremely harmful to your health. See below for signs of bulimia and the effects it can have on the body.

Signs Of Bulimia

• Constant weight fluctuations
• Broken blood vessels around the eyes and in the face
• Scarring on the fingers (from sticking fingers down the throat)
• Dehydration
• Lack of control with food
• Large amounts of food disappearing
• Constant need to go to the bathroom after eating
• Constant diarrhea

Effects On The Body

1. Negative Body Image

People with bulimia have a negative body image. They are preoccupied with their own image, possibly checking to see how they look in the mirror often.

2. Moody

Your mood changes with bulimia. You are more irritable, possibly depressed and can develop anxiety issues.

3. Tooth Decay

With throwing up over and over again, you could develop tooth decay from the amount of acid constantly coming up in your mouth. You could also develop mouth sores and ulcers.

4. Hemorrhoids

These can occur from having constant diarrhea or from straining during a bowel movement from laxative use. Using laxatives can also disrupt your digestive tract, causing you to become dependent on them if used for extended periods of time.

5. Dry Skin

Being dehydrated from bulimia can leave your skin extremely dry. It can also cause brittle nails and can cause your hair to thin or even fall out.

6. Irregular Heartbeat

An irregular heartbeat, palpitations, or low blood pressure can all develop from not getting enough nutrients in your body, from being dehydrated and from a lack of electrolytes. 

Eating disorders are serious. If you or someone you know has an eating disorder (bulimia, anorexia or binge eating), it's important to get help. Bulimia can have a lot of negative health effects, some can be life threatening. Bulimia can develop in both men and women and can affect just about any age group starting as young as a tween. Keep an eye out for signs of bulimia and get help from a professional.

For more information about these eating disorders, go to sites like these.