The sufferer purges the body of food and energy, often through a variety of methods. Self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse and extreme exercise are the three main ways. Abuse of diuretics and diet pills are also associated with bulimia. Binges are common, because the body is often starved of food and, of course, the sufferer believes eating is okay so long as he or she can get rid of it afterwards. Another method is taking syrup of ipecac, which is a stomach poison intended to induce vomiting in those who have accidently swallowed something toxic.
Ipecac can be very dangerous, especially when taken in large quantities.
Like anorexia, bulimia is also present in men. The binges associated with bulimia mean that few bulimics are severely underweight. This is why it can be so hard to detect. The first person who may spot it is a dentist, because the stomach acid gradually erodes tooth enamel. Many bulimics will insist on going to the bathroom shortly after eating to induce vomiting.