The signs of bulimia can be very difficult to detect in people because they are excellent at keeping their condition hidden from others. People with bulimia tend to not stand out like someone who is clearly suffering from anorexia. They can be a healthy weight, be slightly under or slightly over. Many wait until they are alone to binge and seem to eat normally around others.
Although bulimia is often difficult to spot, since weight may be normal, there are still signs that you can look out for if you suspect a friend or family member having bulimia:
Signs of bulimia
- Weight fluctuations sometimes going from one extreme to the other.
- Russell’s sign: this is scarring or teeth marks on the back of the hands or on the knuckles caused by self induced vomiting.
- Tooth decay, caused by vomiting stomach acids, you may notice the teeth thinning or the person needing frequent visits to the dentist.
- Swollen glands around the face and neck sometimes known as ‘hamster cheeks’, vomiting causes these glands to swell, over time this can become permanent.
- Dehydration and poor skin condition.
- They may consume enormous numbers of calories at one sitting.
- The person may frequently complain of fatigue, dizziness, and feeling faint.
- The person may complain of constipation and abdominal pains.
- Complain of recurrent sore throats.
- Obsess over body size and discuss weight loss frequently.
- They may have missed periods or irregular periods.
- The person may become obsessed with food or developed rituals around eating.
- They may start avoiding of social eating situations and may become withdrawn.
- May shop for food frequently.
- Loss of sex drive
- Increased tiredness
- Poor concentration and poor memory
- You may notice that food is disappearing from the kitchen cupboard or fridge.
- The person may frequently disappear to lavatory after they have food consume