Alone, after eating until it hurts, she takes the laxative to purge her body of the unwanted calories. She is deeply ashamed of herself, and terrified that someone might find out. Nancy has bulimia, an eating disorder that involves compulsive binging on high calorie food, followed by self-induced vomiting or purging the body with laxatives. Beneath their confident, successful exterior, bulimics often feel over-dependent on the approval of others. They may have low self-esteem and difficulty expressing anger.
Many bulimics are depressed.
Some have other compulsive disorders. Signs of Bulimia Bulimia can be difficult to recognize. Many bulimics have normal weight. And they are aware that their eating disorder is abnormal and usually hide it. But bulimia takes a toll on the body and mind.