Bulimia is a very common eating disorder. It is believed that most statistics do not present a very accurate picture of the true number of bulimia cases. This is mainly because that people who are bulimic do not often realise that they have a problem. Or they may actually be too ashamed to admit that they have an eating disorder and that they need treatment. As such, experts believe that the statisic figures are understated.

Getting a bulimic sufferer to go to the doctor requires the support and help of family and friends. It is therefore of particular important that each of us learn how to spot bulimia symptoms so that we can help the sufferer take the required action.

Bulimia symptoms are characterized by uncontrollable binge eating (overeating) followed by intentional purging through either vomiting, enemas, laxatives, diuretics or several other similar purging methods. Obviously, if you find someone in your midst constantly purging himself after meals, this is a sure sign that he may be suffering from some form of bulimia.

Bulimia symptoms are usually triggered when the sufferer is undergoing stress. Stress can happen because of family issues, things happening at work, developments on the social front or just having a distorted picture of body images. The binge eating that develops, in turn, cause other emotional problems. It is usually the case that many bulimia sufferers feel guilty about what they do. They then fall into a state of depression after each overeating or purging session.

Depression in itself does not necessarily point to bulimia. However, it is an indicative sign for bulimia when you notice that the sufferer becoming moody and down after rushing off to the bathroom to vomit on a regular basis.

Lastly, bulimia sufferers will inevitably change body weight and proportions drastically, over short periods of time. They may even alternate periods of being overweight due to extreme binge overeating with periods of being underweight due to extreme intentional purging. In any case, a radical change in body proportions in a short time is often the effect of an eating disorder, even if it might not be bulimia in particular.

In summary, the four bulimia symptoms namely intentional purging, overeating, radical mood swings and drastic weight changes are good ways to spot for eating disorders. You can help yourself or your loved one in recognising that there truly is a problem and that medical help is needed for treatment. Joining a support group also helps you or the sufferer to share about the experience and to deal with the stress and emotions better.