Binge Eating Disorder

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. People who have bulimia eat very large amounts of food (called binging) and many also use inappropriate means (vomiting, laxatives, water pills) to rid their bodies of the food (called purging). Affected individuals eat compulsively, then purge to prevent gaining weight. These behaviors last for more than three months for at least two times a week. Individuals are overly concerned with weight and body image. In some, excessive exercise or fasting may replace or supplement purging.