Bulimia nervosa
A serious mental illness with repeated episodes of binge eating, followed by behaviours to make up for the eating, such as vomiting, fasting or over-exercising.
Signs of bulimia nervosa
Someone may show some of these signs, not all of them. Eating disorders affect people of every age, gender, cultural background and body size, and you can’t tell if someone has one just by looking at them.
Physical
- Frequent changes in weight
- Signs of damage from vomiting, such as swelling around the cheeks or jaw, calluses on the knuckles, damage to teeth and bad breath
- Feeling bloated or constipated, or developing intolerances to food
- Loss of or changes to periods
- Fainting or dizziness
- Feeling tired and not sleeping well
Psychological
- Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape and weight
- Sensitivity to comments about food, weight, body shape or exercise
- Low self-esteem and feelings of shame, self-loathing or guilt, especially after eating
- A distorted body image
- Obsession with food and a need for control
- Depression, anxiety or irritability
- Extreme body dissatisfaction
Behavioural
- Episodes of binge eating
- Vomiting, or misusing laxatives, appetite suppressants or diuretics
- Eating in private and avoiding meals with others
- Repetitive or obsessive behaviours about body shape and weight
- Secretive behaviour around food
- Compulsive or excessive exercise
- Dieting behaviours, such as fasting or cutting out food groups
- Frequent trips to the bathroom during or soon after meals
- Erratic behaviour, such as spending large amounts of money on food
- Self-harm, substance use or thoughts of suicide
If you or someone you know is showing these signs, please reach out for help
Eating disorders are serious, but recovery is possible, and the earlier you get support, the better. A good first step is your GP, or the Butterfly Helpline on 1800 33 4673.
Bulimia nervosa statistics
- 1.85%of Australians will experience bulimia nervosa in their lifetime
- 18is the average age it starts
- 55–97%of people with an eating disorder also live with another mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression
- 1 in 3people with an eating disorder are male
Sources
Lifetime and gender figures: Deloitte Access Economics (2024). Paying the Price, Second Edition: The economic and social impact of eating disorders in Australia. Butterfly Foundation. Read the report.
Average age: Volpe and others (2016). Mental health conditions: National Eating Disorders Collaboration (2017), as summarised by Eating Disorders Victoria. Figures summarised by Eating Disorders Victoria, which lists each original study.
Treatment for bulimia nervosa
Recovery from bulimia nervosa is possible, and many people recover fully with the right support. Evidence-based options include:
- Eating disorder–focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT-ED), the main treatment for adults
- Guided self-help based on CBT, with support from a health professional
- Family-based treatment for children and teenagers
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), which can help with managing strong emotions
- Support from a dietitian, and regular medical check-ups
Where to start
See your GP. They can check your physical health and write an Eating Disorder Treatment and Management Plan, which gives Medicare rebates for up to 40 psychology sessions and 20 dietitian sessions over 12 months.
Not sure what to say? Our checklist for talking to your GP and Butterfly’s Where do I start? guide can help.
You can recover. You are not alone ❤️
Read how others found their way through recovery.