James Donaldson on Mental Health - Signs a College Student May Have an Eating Disorder

Bulimia Like anorexia, bulimia is a serious eating disorder characterized by an overpowering obsession with body image and desire to lose weight.

However, it takes a very different form when it comes to signs and symptoms.

Bulimia is a cycle of binging—eating large amounts of food in a short period of time—and purging , which could include self-inducing vomiting, abusing laxatives or diuretics, over-exercising, or a combination of all three.

People with bulimia aren’t necessarily noticeably thin, which can make it harder to spot.

Signs someone might be bulimic include: Binging and purging: Buying and hiding large amounts of food Hiding uneaten food or wrappers from binges Inventing reasons to go to the bathroom to purge— if someone is always disappearing after a meal, that’s a big tip-off.

Bad breath, swelling under the jaw or cheeks, tooth discoloration, acid reflux, or even knuckle calluses from self-induced vomiting.

Obsessing about weight: Talking about weight and size more than is usually considered normal.

Constantly comparing her body to the bodies of friends, strangers, and movie stars—and always finding herself wanting.

Withdrawal from social events: Skipping parties where eating is important No longer engaging in things she used to enjoy.

Passing on activities that interfere with the routine of binging and purging.