Prolonged exercising despite fatigue and weakness. Intense fear of gaining weight. Peculiar patterns of handling food. Amenorrhea in women. Binges are the secretive, rapid consumption of high-caloric foods over a discrete period of time.
Most bulimics follow the binge by self-induced vomiting.
Most individuals suffering from this disorder are frequent dieters but remain within a normal weight range. Food takes on a symbolic meaning for the bulimia, and the binge-purge cycle may be an outlet for feelings of frustration, disappointment, anger, loneliness, and boredom. Bulimics turn to food in an attempt to cope with life stresses. Most individuals with this disorder are women, though bulimia has been diagnosed in men. Bulimia tends to develop in late adolescence and early adulthood.