Although food intake is sharply curtailed, there continues to be an overpowering interest in food and eating. The disorder can result in drastic loss of weight, often 20-25 percent. Bulimia is characterized by the binge-purge syndrome, where laxatives, diuretics, and intentional vomiting are used to expel food. During bulimic episodes, forbidden foods, such as rich desserts and junk foods, are consumed, often in great quantities which may reach 20,000 calories in a sitting. The binge is then terminated by severe abdominal pain, vomiting, or sleep.
Bulimics are ashamed of their eating behavior and consequently hide it from others.
Because of its hidden nature, and because it doesn t always result in an emaciated appearance, Bulimia is often harder to detect and diagnose. Anorexia and Bulimia remain highly treatable disorders. Given the right environment, treatment and support, these individuals can resume a stable, healthy and well-rounded life, free of the terror of food and obesity. Promote each student s positive and healthy self-image. Include activities on self-esteem in all levels of the curriculum.