Exploring the idea of you or a loved one having an eating disorder can be a daunting process. However, at the Body Image Treatment Clinic, we are here to support you on your recovery journey.

What is bulimia?

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which causes people to eat a large amount of food uncontrollably (also known as binge eating), in a short period of time. After bingeing, people will engage in different behaviours to manage feelings of shame and guilt and fear of weight gain. This can include, purging, exercise and food restriction. However, bulimia is not simply about food and weight. It may have occurred to navigate challenging life events or cope with difficult emotions and now behaviours have become ritualistic and feel unavoidable.

Recovery is always possible

If the above sounds familiar, we invite you to explore some of the common behaviours we see in our clients who are experiencing bulimia. You may wish to explore them with the support of a loved one, and know we are here if you require further support.

• Have you experienced a change in weight, both up and down?
• Do you feel out of control when eating, often eating lots in a short period of time?
• Do you make yourself sick after you have eaten to relieve the discomfort of fullness or to reduce weight gain?
• Do you misuse diuretics, laxatives or medication to impact your weight and shape?
• Have you changed your exercise behaviours, becoming more obsessive or ritualistic in the way you exercise?
• Do you feel guilty about the amount of food you eat and feel an urge to get rid of the food?
• Do you prefer to eat alone or eat in secret to avoid shame?
• Do you miss or skip meals intentionally, rather than forget?
• Have you noticed greater awareness and upset around the way your body appears?
• Have you seen your friends less or isolating yourself more in general?
• Has it felt difficult to concentrate on conversations?
• Have you been feeling tired, dizzy or faint?
• Have you noticed a change in your hair and nails, maybe becoming weaker or more brittle?
• Has your mood been low more often or noticed changes in your mood?
• Have you been experiencing stomach-ache, constipation or bloating?
• Do you use drugs and alcohol as a way to cope?
• Have you been engaging in anti-social behaviour such as theft?