UNDERSTANDING

BULIMIA

DR POOKY KNIGHTSMITH

WHAT IS BULIMIA?

Bulimia Nervosa

(bulimia) is an

eating disorder

characterised by a

binge-purge cycle…

BINGE

During a binge, sufferers will eat a large volume of,

often unhealthy, food in a short period

PURGE

After eating sufferers will

try to purge their body of

the calories they’ve

consumed.

The most common forms

of purging are:

• Throwing up

• Using laxatives

• Using diuretics

• Exercising hard

• Restricting food intake

Strict dieting

Diet slips or difficult situation

arises

Binge eating

triggered

Purging to avoid

weight gain

Feelings of shame and self-hatred

THE

BINGE

PURGE

CYCLE

HARD TO SPOT

Secretive Illness sufferers are usually very ashamed about

their difficulties and work hard to hide them

Normal Weight Unlike other eating disorders, bulimia does

not usually result in noticeable weight gain

or weight loss

WEIGHT FLUCTUATION

In some cases you may notice a

weight fluctuation as purging only

removes about 50% of calories – so

if a sufferer goes through a period

of extreme binging and purging

their weight may increase

compared to times when they are

managing their difficulties and

bingeing and purging less.

LOW SELF-ESTEEM

People with bulimia

usually have very low

self-esteem

They often feel ugly, fat

and worthless and

think others are

judging them on their

weight and shape

BULIMIA SUMMARY

I spent longer throwing up than eating. Every time I’d promise myself I’d stick to my diet this time, but I just

couldn’t do it.

• Binge purge cycle

• Roughly normal weight

• Fluctuation in weight (some

cases)

• Low self-esteem, think they’re

fat / ugly

Need more support?

Dr Pooky Knightsmith specialises in mental health and emotional

well-being in the school setting. She can provide training sessions or

workshops for school staff, parents or students on a variety of topics.

For further information and free resources visit

www.inourhands.com

Email: pooky@inourhands.com

Twitter: @PookyH