EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH
Bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder involving repeated episodes of eating large amounts of food while feeling unable to stop, followed by compensatory behaviors intended to prevent weight gain and emotional distress. These behaviors may include self-induced vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or misuse of laxatives or other medications.
Bulimia can cause serious physical and emotional health problems, but recovery is possible with professional treatment and support.
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else—or if there’s any type of health emergency—please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
How bulimia nervosa might show up
People with bulimia may feel trapped in a cycle of binge eating and behaviors intended to compensate for eating. These episodes often happen privately and may be followed by guilt, shame, anxiety, or fear of weight gain.
Bulimia can affect people of different ages, backgrounds, identities, and body sizes. Because someone’s weight may not change noticeably, the condition can be difficult for others to recognize.
If you or someone you know is in danger of hurting themselves or someone else—or if there’s any type of health emergency—please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Recognizing the warning signs
Signs of bulimia nervosa may include:
- Eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period.
- Feeling unable to control what or how much is eaten.
- Frequently going to the bathroom during or after meals.
- Self-induced vomiting.
- Misusing laxatives, diuretics, or other medications.
- Fasting or severely restricting food.
- Exercising excessively or feeling distressed when unable to exercise.
- Hiding food or eating in secret.
- Persistent concern about weight, body shape, or appearance.
- Feeling guilt, shame, or anxiety after eating.
- Sore throat, dental problems, or swelling around the jaw.
- Fatigue, dizziness, dehydration, or digestive concerns.
Someone does not need to display every warning sign to benefit from professional support.
How bulimia can affect health
Repeated binge eating and compensatory behaviors can affect many parts of the body. Vomiting may damage tooth enamel and contribute to throat, digestive, and salivary gland problems. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can affect the heart and other organs and may become life-threatening.
Bulimia can also occur alongside anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use and other mental health concerns. Comprehensive treatment should address the whole person, not only eating behaviors.
What comprehensive treatment looks like
Treatment for bulimia nervosa helps clients interrupt the cycle of binge eating and compensatory behaviors while addressing the thoughts and emotions connected to food and body image.
Each care plan will reflect the person’s symptoms, physical health, experiences, and recovery goals. Treatment may include:
- Medical care and ongoing monitoring.
- Individual and group therapy.
- Nutrition counseling and support from a dietitian.
- Meal planning and meal support.
- Family education and involvement.
- Medication when clinically appropriate.
- Treatment for co-occurring mental health or substance use concerns.
Some people may benefit from outpatient treatment, while others need a more structured level of care. Rosecrance works with each client and family to understand their needs and identify an appropriate treatment plan.
Find support at Rosecrance Therapies
Eating disorder recovery looks different for everyone. At Rosecrance Therapies, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care designed around each person’s needs, experiences and goals.
Rosecrance Therapies’ intensive outpatient program (IOP) for eating disorders is led by a team of experienced eating disorder professionals, including therapists and dietitians. The program combines group therapy, individual therapy, nutrition counseling and meal support, as well as medical and psychiatric monitoring.
Using evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), our team helps clients address eating disorder symptoms while building a healthier relationship with food, movement and themselves.
We offer a virtual IOP option for individuals residing in Illinois and Indiana, as well as an in-person option for those seeking care in the Chicagoland area.
You don’t have to know exactly what type of care you need before reaching out.
Why seeking help matters
Bulimia can cause serious health complications even when the condition is not visible to others. Beginning treatment can reduce health risks and prevent patterns from becoming more established. It is never too late to ask for help.
With compassionate, evidence-based care, people can develop more effective coping skills, rebuild their relationship with food, and work toward lasting recovery.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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No. Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health condition, not a choice or a lack of willpower. Recovery often requires professional care and support.
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Yes. People with bulimia can have a wide range of body sizes, and appearance alone cannot show whether someone has an eating disorder or how seriously their health may be affected.
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Both conditions can involve episodes of eating large amounts of food while feeling a loss of control. Bulimia also involves repeated behaviors intended to compensate for eating, such as vomiting, misusing medications or exercising excessively. These behaviors often occur less frequently in binge eating disorder.
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Treatment commonly combines medical monitoring, nutrition support, and therapy. Medication may also be included when appropriate. The type and intensity of care depend on each person’s needs.
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Yes. Recovery is possible regardless of how long you have been struggling.
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Choose a calm, private time to express your concern. Focus on changes you have noticed such as food avoidance, negative comments about food or body image, and social isolation, rather than their weight or appearance. Listen without judgment and encourage them to speak with a healthcare or eating disorder professional.
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Together, these new programs reflect Rosecrance’s ongoing commitment to expanding evidence-based, compassionate care for individuals on the path toward recovery. Call us today at 312.239.5200 or contact us online to schedule a confidential screening or learn more about our mental health IOP or eating disorder IOP. Partnering treatment providers can also refer clients needing a higher level of care to these groups by calling the number above or making a referral through our website.