Bulimia is a serious eating disorder which usually affects younger girls and only very rarely men or older people, it is characterised by periods of over eating or binge eating in spurts and then purging the food which has been eaten.

The bulimic will use any one of several forms of controlling their weight when they have been binging with common forms being self induced vomiting, fasting, enemas or the excessive use of laxatives or diuretics.

A binge episode is defined as eating foods in much larger quantities than usual, however the bulimic wont eat because they are hungry but rather in response to feelings, depression, stress and low self-esteem issues.

During periods of binging, the person will lose all self-control for this period of time, this is then replaced by brief periods of control and finally people will loathe themselves for binging and will purge what they have consumed.

This then develops into a cycle of over eating then purging until it becomes an obsession which they cannot help.

Unlike anorexia the person suffering from bulimia will look perfectly normal and are of normal weight or even slightly overweight, as the binging and purging is very often well hid, diagnosing the illness can be quite a problem.

Bulimia is a serious condition with the sufferer sometimes consuming as many as 20,000 calories at any one time before purging as more often than not they will use comfort foods which are extremely high in calorie content such as ice cream, cakes, biscuits and pastries.

The signs and symptoms of bulimia

* Following a strict exercise routine vigorously

* An unusual amount of vomiting which they claim to be a stomach upset

* Retiring to the bathroom frequently straight after eating a meal

* A preoccupation with their body weight

* Depression or mood swings

* Complaining of having swollen glands in the neck

* Heartburn, indigestion and constipation

* Irregular or missed periods

* A constant sore throat

* A sore mouth

* Weakness or exhaustion

* Bloodshot eyes

Bulimia is an extremely dangerous condition which can cause severe problems with the health due to the constant purging, common problems associated with bulimia due to purging are:

* Erosion of tooth enamel

* Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands

* Stomach ulcers

* Rupture of the stomach or oesophagus

* Build up of fluid in the intestines

* Disruption in the bowels

* Dehydration

* Irregular heartbeat

* An increased risk of suicidal behaviour

* A decrease in libido