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Bulimic/Binge & Purge

Per a 2018 U.S. survey, approximately 1.5% of the female population and 0.5% of the male population have experienced bulimia in their lifetimes amounting to 4.7 million females and 1.5 million males.
Bulimia is a very serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder marked by binging, followed by extreme methods to avoid weight gain. Those of us suffering with bulimia, have a distorted body image and an obsessive desire to lose weight. We suffer with bouts of extreme overeating followed by moments of despair and depression that often lead to self-induced vomiting, purging, or fasting.
With this eating disorder, large quantities of food are typically consumed in a short period of time, often followed by feelings of guilt or shame that lead to the need to purge and eliminate the food that was consumed. This may include self-induced or forced vomiting, as well as misuse and continued abuse of diuretics or laxatives, although excessive exercising or fasting may also be involved.
Ask yourself the following questions:
  • Are you struggling with bulimia?
  • Do you experience recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by fasting, self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or other meds?
  • Are you typically excessively worried about your weight and/or body shape?
  • Do you have scratches on the back of your hand caused by putting your finger into your throat to induce a gag reflex?
  • Do you tend to suffer with acid reflux, a sore throat or hoarse voice?
  • Are you frequently dehydrated or do you suffer with electrolyte abnormalities?
  • Do you suffer from tooth decay or troubles with your tooth enamel that has led to painful or costly dental procedures?
  • Do you suffer with any intestinal problems or frequent constipation?

If you found yourself answering ‘yes’ to any one of the above questions, and are ready to accept help, then you can benefit from attending an OA meeting, finding a sponsor, and working our Twelve Step program of recovery. We hope you will join us and come to experience the gifts of the OA program: happiness, joy, and freedom!