Common Physical Effects of Bulimia:

• noticeable weight fluctuations over short periods of time
• period disappears for over three cycles
• constipation
• damaged and discolored teeth
• heartburn and/or bloating
• lung irritation and damage
• weakness
• irregular heartbeat
• kidney damage
• salivary gland enlargement (looks like a bad case of the mumps)
• puffy eyelids and face
• bloodshot or watery eyes from vomiting
• sores or calluses on back of hand used for purging (where teeth scrape skin)
• dehydration and depletion of important minerals
• hormonal imbalance
• chronic sore throat

Common Behavioral Patterns:

• binge-purge episodes
• daily use of laxatives and/or diuretics in an attempt to control weight
• obsession with the body and food

If you know someone who needs help recovering from bulimia, click here for more information.