Bulimia Nervosa: What You Need to Know

What are the Signs of Bulimia Nervosa (BN)?

People with BN often have erratic (scattered or random) eating patterns. For example, a person with BN might skip meals or wait a long time between meals. Over time, these behaviors can cause harm to the body. In some cases, they can lead to death. A person with BN can be of average or above-average body weight.

Common signs of BN can include:

• Frequent changes in weight
• Damage to the teeth, gums or mouth (caused by vomiting)
• Chronic dehydration
• Swelling in the face
• Abdominal (belly area) pain or acid reflux (heartburn)
• Checking weight frequently
• Seeking reassurance about weight or body shape
• In women and girls, irregular menstrual periods or loss of periods (also called amenorrhea)

Learn More

• Overview
• Diagnosis
• Treatment