Knowledge Base of Eating Disorders
Our knowledge base is a resource dedicated to providing information to individuals and their families about the signs, effects, causes, and treatment options for bulimia nervosa, as well as other eating disorders and co-occurring conditions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS | Bulimia Nervosa | Eating Disorders | Treatment Help | Featured
Bulimia Nervosa Awareness
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a specific type of eating disorder revolving around cycles of binging and purging. Affecting people of all genders, BN has a prevalence of approximately 0.5-1.5%. The disorder can have grave effects on someone’s health, but thankfully, a majority of people who seek treatment for bulimia nervosa are able to recover.
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Bulimia’s Effects on the Face & Cheeks
Bulimia can cause puffiness in the face as a result of purging, which can cause swelling in the parotid glands. While not dangerous, this swelling can sometimes cause pain and significantly affect a person’s facial aesthetic.
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Effects of Bulimia on the Hands & Knuckles
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is an eating disorder that can cause significant wear on the hands and the knuckles specifically, resulting in something called Russell’s sign (also referred to as “bulimia hands”). This occurs primarily because of the incisors repeatedly grinding against the skin when a person induces vomiting.
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How to Choose a Bulimia Treatment Program/Center
Choosing a bulimia nervosa treatment program, or a program to help with other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN) or binge eating disorder (BED), can feel like an overwhelming process.
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Alternative and Holistic Care for Bulimia
While many evidence-based treatments are often used to help people struggling with bulimia nervosa (BN), some types of alternative and holistic therapy may also be able to help.
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Bulimia Relapse: Signs and Prevention
Eating disorder relapse is common, whether you’re recovering from bulimia or any other eating disorder. While it may be a setback, it doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Each time you revert to disordered eating behavior, think of it as an opportunity to learn something you can apply if you feel yourself struggling again.
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Bulimia Jaw Pain and Swelling
You’ve probably seen photos of the so-called “bulimia jaw.” Before-and-after snaps can be striking, particularly if they show people with cheeks puffed up by repeated vomiting.
Research & Data
Explore the many original research and data collection projects we have conducted
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders are one of the most dangerous types of mental health disorder, responsible for an estimated 10,200 deaths every year. There are a number of different types of eating disorders, which all impact people in different ways.
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Orthorexia vs. Anorexia | Is There a Comparison?
Eating disorders are dangerous mental health conditions that impact many aspects of psychological, physical, and emotional health. And while every disorder can manifest in different ways for everyone, it’s important to know the differences between different eating disorders.
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Causes of Anorexia & How to Prevent It
Anorexia nervosa is a complex, serious mental health condition that has many contributing biopsychosocial—or biological, psychological, and social—causes. These can include hormones, genetics, co-occurring mental health challenges, and societal attitudes about food, weight, fitness, and health, among others.
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How to Stop Emotional Eating
People eat food for any number of reasons, and not all of them have to do with physical hunger.
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How to Help Someone Who Has an Eating Disorder
Watching a friend, family member, or loved one struggle with an eating disorder can be incredibly difficult. Though you want to help, you may be unsure how to help someone with an eating disorder.
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Am I Anorexic? Questions to Ask Yourself
If you are asking yourself, “Am I anorexic?” there’s a good chance you are. It can be helpful to know exactly what the eating disorder is and how to recognize the potential warning signs.
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The Physical Side Effects of Anorexia (Short-Term & Long-Term)
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is an eating disorder characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, severe food and caloric restriction, and a distorted body image.1
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Treatment Information
The most effective treatment for bulimia nervosa is the one that restores your physical and mental health while keeping you safe. Almost half of all people with bulimia seek out treatment, and all of them should get individualized care.
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The Most Effective Treatments for Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a serious mental health condition that can have dangerous and long-lasting impacts on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It often manifests as cycles of binge eating and purging, which can lead to or support a number of other harmful symptoms. Treating eating disorders like bulimia nervosa is possible through the right…
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How to Choose a Bulimia Treatment Program/Center
Choosing a bulimia nervosa treatment program, or a program to help with other eating disorders like anorexia nervosa (AN) or binge eating disorder (BED), can feel like an overwhelming process.
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Alternative and Holistic Care for Bulimia
While many evidence-based treatments are often used to help people struggling with bulimia nervosa (BN), some types of alternative and holistic therapy may also be able to help.
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Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Bulimia Nervosa
Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is a form of talk therapy that has been shown to be potentially beneficial in helping people with eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa (BN).
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How to Help Someone Who Has an Eating Disorder
Watching a friend, family member, or loved one struggle with an eating disorder can be incredibly difficult. Though you want to help, you may be unsure how to help someone with an eating disorder.
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Bulimia Nervosa Treatment
Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a dangerous mental health disorder that requires appropriate care. And luckily, there are a number of therapies and treatments that can help.