Bulimia Nervosa Warning Signs and Symptoms

• Excessive concern about weight
• Strict dieting followed by eating binges (diet – binge – purge cycles)
• Frequent overeating, especially when distressed
• Bingeing on high calorie, sweet foods
• Use of laxatives, diuretics, strict dieting, vigorous exercise, and/or vomiting to control weight
• Leaving for bathroom after meals- excessive requirements for privacy in bedroom or bathroom
• Being secretive about food/binges/vomiting
• Planning binges or opportunities to binge
• Feeling out of control
• Impulse control problems in other areas (may shoplift, be promiscuous, and/or abuse alcohol, drugs, credit cards and/or other risk taking behavior)
• Competent front to hide depression, shame, and emptiness inside
• Difficulty talking about feelings
• Believes self-worth requires being thin
• Bloodshot eyes
• Swollen neck glands or frequent sore throat
• Unusual or frequent dental problems
• Bleeding or irritated gums
• Buys large amounts of food that disappear with no explanation
• Sudden changes in food likes or dislikes
• Drinks excessive amounts of water or soda
• Repeated excuses for not eating at regular meals with family and friends