Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa
Lifetime prevalence for Bulimia Nervosa is 1.5% to 2%. Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by episodes of bingeing and purging. ⓘ
Bingeing:
- Eating a larger amount of food than most would eat in a specific amount of time (objective)
- Perceived lack of control over eating during the episode (can’t stop eating even if wants to)
Purging:
- The individual participates in behaviors to compensate for the binge
- Self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics
- Over- exercise
Do you think you or someone you know may be suffering from Bulimia Nervosa?
The Binge-Restrict Cycle
01 – Restriction
- The body is underfueled for a period of time
- Strict food rules are limiting intake and cravings
02 – Hunger (struggle)
- The body feels very hungry
- Obsessive thoughts about food
- Strong and intense cravings for energy-rich foods
03 – Binge
- “Giving in” to cravings or “screw it” eating
- Feeling out of control or on “auto-pilot”
- Eating past comfortable fullness
04 – Uncomfortable Emotions (struggle)
- Feeling guilt or shame
- Feeling like a failure
- Regret and/or disappointment
