Types of Bulimia

There are two types of Bulimia Nervosa, the purging type and the non-purging type. Those bulimics who are of the purging type tend to self-induce vomiting by either setting forth a gag reflex or consuming emetics like ipecac syrup so that food is rapidly got rid off the body before it has time to get digested; or using diuretics, laxatives or even enemas. Bulimics of the non-purging kind resort to physical exercise or undergo excessive fasting following a binge in order to counteract the intake of excess of calories, immediately after eating. Purging type bulimics can also resort to the same but only as a secondary defense at weight control.

Bulimia is also known as Bulimia Nervosa. While the binge is going on, the person undergoes a cessation of all self-control. This is followed by a short period of calmness which in turn results in self-loathing. This vicious cycle of binge eating and purging soon turns into an obsession and the same is often repeated. This cycle can come to a halt when interrupted by others or overextension causes the stomach to hurt.