Bulimia is an eating disorder when a person eats large amounts of food at a time, then they get rid of the food immediately after by making themselves throw up or sometimes they use laxatives. People with bulimia may also use diuretics, enemas, appetite suppressants and they may fast and exercise often. Bulimia- according to Webster’s dictionary is defined as recurrent episodes of binge eating, the rapid intake of unusually large amounts of food, and an average of twice per week for at least three months. Bulimia is the result of a hormone imbalance or a psychological effect.
Bulimics are usually of normal weight; they may go through periods of losing or gaining up to twenty pounds. Their ability to keep a normal weight after the binge eating is from purging after eating, which is self-induced vomiting. They usually also are always on strict diets and exercise heavily.
 Bulimia is usually caused by being on such stringent diets that they become so hungry that the binge eat and then almost always feel guilty for eating all that food that they purge themselves. A bulimic can not control their diets, they tend to eat more fatty and sweet foods and avoid the more nutritious foods such as protein filled foods, starches, fruits and vegetables. They hardly feel if they have any kind of problem.
Eating disorders can cause life threatening medical problems. The problem is not just with the weight or the food, it is also having to do with emotional conflicts. The more emotional conflicts and stress the person has, the more often she will binge and purge, so the need is to take the help of a doctor and also seek help from a nutrition counselor. The counselor will set them on a diet that does not leave any room for them to make decisions on when and what to eat. This diet will concentrate on high protein and starchy foods. They also need psychological counseling. There are many support groups available for bulimics. These groups offer exceptional advice and support.
There are also medications available to ease a person’s anxiety about their eating habits.