About Eating Disorders

Bulimia Nervosa (BN) is a psychological disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating episodes and use of compensatory behaviors after the eating episode. Binge eating episodes are distinguished from overeating in that these moments feel out of control and are usually accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, eating rapidly or in secret, and eating until one is uncomfortably full. Compensatory behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, over exercise, restriction, use of laxatives, diuretics, or any substance used to suppress appetite or induce calorie elimination. 

Another characteristic of BN is shape and weight concerns, which include dissatisfaction with one's weight or how one look in the mirror, fit in clothes, or compare to other people or previous weights and shape. Clinically, there is an over evaluation of shape and weight, meaning this aspect of one's identity is factored in very importantly for the person suffering from this illness.