What Do We Mean By Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating?

Almost everyone at some time or other overeats, and lots of people feel a little guilty and ashamed when they do. Such episodes and feelings are very common, perfectly "normal" and not a source of concern.

However, other people may experience distressing episodes of excessive overeating known as ‘binge eating’, and feel deep shame and remorse as a result of ‘losing control’.

As well as binge eating, sufferers from Bulimia Nervosa go to great lengths to make up for overeating. Prolonged fasting, excessive exercising, self-induced vomiting and the taking of unnecessary laxatives are all symptoms of the illness.