Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa - Overview

"In 30 patients whose illness bears a close resemblance to anorexia nervosa,…episodes of overeating constituted the most constant feature of the disorder…. Overeating was often overshadowed by more dramatic clinical phenomena--intractable self-induced vomiting or purgation…. The constancy and significance of overeating invite a new terminology for description of this symptom--bulimia nervosa."

- Gerald F.M. Russell, 1979


The term 'Bulimia' refers to episodes of uncontrolled excessive eating, known as "binges," followed by self-induced vomiting or purgation. It commonly occurs in adolescent girls. The key elements include the following

This 'Eating Disorder' is characterised by an irresistible urge to overeat.

Extreme measures to control body weight and misconceptions regarding the "perfect" shape and size of the body are observed, similar to that in patients with Anorexia Nervosa.

The condition might get severe with huge quantities of food being consumed.

To prevent weight gain patients resort to self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, fasting or extremely rigorous exercising.