What is bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa, often simply called bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors.
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While many individuals with bulimia may appear to be at a "normal" weight, this disorder affects people across all body types—including those in smaller or larger bodies.
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It isn't lack of willpower or personal choice.
It's a brain disorder resulting from complex interactions between neurological, biological, and psychological factors.
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External influences may contribute to bulimia.
Influences like social media, family relationships, and diet culture may contribute, but no single element causes bulimia on its own. Rather, the condition develops from a combination of various factors.
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It's potentially life-threatening without treatment.
However, with appropriate care, lasting recovery is achievable.
Signs of bulimia across diverse populations
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Across all demographics, individuals with bulimia typically share physical symptoms:
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Dental erosion
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Digestive issues
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Electrolyte imbalances
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Chronic fatigue
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Throat damage
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Skin/hair changes
These physical manifestations may vary in severity but represent the body's response to nutritional disruption.
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​You may also notice the following psychological and behavioral symptoms:
Kids & Teens
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Sudden interest in food preparation but rarely eating what they make
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Frequent trips to the bathroom during or immediately after meals
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Dental problems at young age (from stomach acid exposure)
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Growth stunting or delayed/interrupted puberty
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Excessive exercise despite injuries, fatigue, or weather conditions
Services for different care needs
At Mindfullness, we offer a range of bulimia eating disorder recovery services to help you or your loved one take the first step toward healing:
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One-on-one therapy: You or your loved one will work with a therapist experienced in treating bulimia. The goal is to help you or your loved one build a positive relationship with food and begin to heal in a supportive, understanding environment.
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Family therapy: Eating disorders affect the whole family, even if that family doesn't share DNA. These sessions help loved ones learn how to best offer support, open the lines of communication and work together toward recovery.
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Intuitive eating: Following weight stabilization and normalized eating, you or your loved one will learn skills to reconnect and honor natural hunger cues.
What you can expect from us
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A safe, compassionate space where your child can feel heard and understood​
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Collaborative care where we work together to understand their unique needs​
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Behavioral strategies to address disordered habits and encourage healthy patterns​​
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A focus on building self-esteem and fostering a positive body image
Other eating disorders that we treat
Recurrent episodes of consuming large amounts of food with out compensatory behaviors but with a sense of loss of control.
Highly limited food intake may be due to sensory sensitivities, fear of consequences or avoidance.
Mindfullness also specializes in general body image concerns, creating individualized paths toward body neutrality and acceptance.​​ Contact us now to learn more.