Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by compulsive eating binges, during which individuals consume enormous quantities of foods, followed by purging episodes through vomiting or laxative intake to rid themselves of the consumed foods. The bingeing'purging cycles of bulimia nervosa are often referred to as"gorge-purge syndrome." These athletes are often normal or near normal weight and, for this reason, may be more difficult to identify than those with anorexia nervosa. Symptoms include corrosion of teeth and gums (from frequent gastric acid exposure due to vomiting),edema, electrolyte abnormalities, dehydration, depression, and excessive bathroom visits.¹¹