What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia Nervosa (BN) an eating disorder where an individual will eat a significant amount of food over a limited period of time (known as bingeing) and will take measures following a binge to prevent weight gain. Of those with an eating disorder, 12% have Bulimia Nervosa.
Weight in individuals with Bulimia Nervosa may fluctuate – they may put on weight, lose weight, or stay at a consistent weight. This makes it easy to mis that someone is living with Bulimia Nervosa.
An individual with Bulimia Nervosa may experience the following
- Basing their self-worth on their physical appearance
- Intense fear of weight gain
- Bingeing – eating a significant amount of food over a limited period of time, where the individual feels unable to stop
- Compensatory behaviours to prevent weight gain from a binge including: vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics, restricting food, engaging in excessive exercise
- Weight loss or gain
- Guilt and shame around eating behaviours
- Hiding food
- Physical, cognitive and psychological effects
Recovery
Your loved one’s treatment team will decide on the best type of treatment, and whether they can be cared for at home or in hospital.
While your loved one has the greatest chance of recovery by getting into treatment early, recovery is possible at any stage.
Families and carers can help loved ones recover, so where possible, stay connected with your loved one and their treatment team.
For support in how to help your loved one, join a Carer Support Group.
Xavier’s older sister was diagnosed with Bulimia when she was 16 years old. Read his story.
