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A person suffering from bulimia may have a poor self-image. They may feel "fat" or "overweight" even though they are healthy.
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Eating excessive amounts of food in a short period of time, generally under two hours.
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The individual may appear to be furtive, or uneasy when discussing food. The individual may also refuse to eat in front of others, or become very nervous about doing so, but not appear to be malnourished from not eating at all.
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A person suffering from bulimia may use methods of purging to rid themselves of a binge. These may include self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. Around other people, the individual may seem anxious, or immediately excuse themselves to a restroom following a meal.
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Excessive exercise or prolonged fasting may be used to overcompensate for a binge episode. An individual may also use these non-purging behaviors to hide or mask their disorder.
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A person suffering from bulimia may develop poor dental health due to enamel erosion from vomiting. Conversely, the individual might appear to have an increased interest in oral hygiene, often to mask such symptoms.
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A person suffering from the purging type of bulimia may develop small marks or sores on their hands caused by stomach acid during self-induced vomiting.
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A person suffering from the purging type of bulimia may develop puffiness around their cheeks and eyes, usually from the strain of vomiting.
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