Appointments & care

Definition

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Appointments & care

At Mayo Clinic, we take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care.

Learn more. Request an appointment.

Bulimia (boo-LEE-me-uh) nervosa, commonly called bulimia, is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia may secretly binge — eating large amounts of food — and then purge, trying to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. For example, someone with bulimia may force vomiting or engage in excessive exercise. Sometimes people purge after eating only a small snack or a normal-size meal.

Bulimia can be categorized in two ways:

•Purging bulimia. You regularly self-induce vomiting or misuse laxatives, diuretics or enemas after bingeing.

•Nonpurging bulimia. You use other methods to rid yourself of calories and prevent weight gain, such as fasting, strict dieting or excessive exercise.

However, these behaviors often overlap, and the attempt to rid yourself of extra calories is usually referred to as purging, no matter what the method.

If you have bulimia, you're probably preoccupied with your weight and body shape. You may judge yourself severely and harshly for your self-perceived flaws. Because it's related to self-image — and not just about food — bulimia can be hard to overcome. But effective treatment can help you feel better about yourself, adopt healthier eating patterns and reverse serious complications.

Symptoms

Share.

Tweet.

April 29, 2015

References

You Are ... The Campaign for Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Make a difference today.

Learn more

Give now

Products and Services

1.Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 4th Edition

2.Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter

See also

100th anniversary of the ECG at Mayo Clinic

Cognitive behavioral therapy

Electrocardiogram

Family therapy

Psychotherapy

Urinalysis

X-ray

Advertisement

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization. Proceeds from website advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse non-Mayo products and services.

Advertising & Sponsorship Policy

Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Store

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic.

Try Mayo Clinic Health Letter FREE!

Practical

...