Bulimia nervosa sufferers are also obsessed with the fear of gaining weight. There is a recurring pattern of binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting. The foods eaten tend to be high in carbohydrate and fat. Sufferers may also use large quantities of laxatives, slimming pills or strenuous exercise to control their weight. Many bulimics have poor teeth due to regular vomiting.
Vomit is acidic and can erode teeth.
Anorexics and bulimics are often very secretive about their eating habits. Before they can be treated for their disorder it must be recognised, not only by a doctor, friend or family member, but also by the sufferer themselves. If an anorexic is very underweight it is obviously important to persuade their to eat and seek medical advice as soon as possible. Both anorexics and bulimics will need some kind of psychiatric treatment.