Bulimia is characterized by episodes of rapid consumption of large amounts of food followed by uncomfortable feelings such as loss of control, guilt, depression, or fear of gaining weight. The bulimic's view of self is powerfully influenced by body shape and weight, and therefore the fear of gaining weight is particularly distressful. The person struggling with bulimic symptoms is usually aware of the strange nature of these behaviors but is unable to refrain from such behavior. Binge eating disorder is characterized by binge eating without the compensatory behavior to avoid weight gain as seen in bulimia. Binge eating disorder is especially prevalent among obese individuals.
Medical complications caused by eating disorders are numerous and can range from mild to severe.
If these symptoms indicate that you or someone you love might have an eating disorder, please seek the help of a professional counselor and a medical doctor. A counselor can help to combat the unhealthy feelings that cause eating disorders, and a medical doctor can perform an exam to identify any medical complications that need to be treated. If left untreated and undiagnosed, eating disorders can lead to death. So, this summer, exercise and eat healthfully. And remember, being slender is only worth it when you are healthy enough to enjoy the extra mobility it affords.