Bulimia is an eating disorder . It is characterized by binge eating and purging. Purging involves getting rid of the food. Bulimia is a chronic illness and it is not uncommon in teens, mainly teenage girls.
Most bulimics are at their ideal body weight or slightly higher.
The binge eating and purging may range from multiple daily episodes to occasional episodes occurring during times of stress. Along with the binge eating and purging there is an overwhelming fear and obsession about becoming obese. Bulimia has been thought of as an addictive behavior . There are many similarities between the behaviors of bulimics and the behaviors of drug addicts and alcoholics. That is why one of the treatments for bulimia is working a recovery program such as Overeaters Anonymous .