Individuals with Bulimia then try and prevent weight gain following these episodes, using strategies such as vomiting, misusing laxatives, diuretics, enemas, fasting or excessive exercise. This binge eating and use of different strategies to cope will occur at least twice a week for three months. Individuals with Bulimia unduly evaluate themselves according to their body shape and weight. Bulimia can occur in individuals at normal body weight and during episodes of anorexia.
There are two main types of Bulimia Nervosa – these are purging and non-purging type. The purging type is characterised by regularly inducing vomiting or misusing laxatives, diuretics or enemas. The non-purging type is characterised by using strategies such as fasting or excessive exercise. Use of vomiting, misuse of laxatives, diuretics and enemas are not regular.