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- Child seems to have a lack of control when eating, often eating past their "full" comfort level, yet does not gain weight;
- You see and/or hear the child vomit up the food they have just eaten; or you notice the child constantly goes to the bathroom immediately after eating;
- Child has an unhealthy relationship with food including sneaking food when no one is around, wanting to eat alone in their room, etc.
- Child hides food and/or you notice food disappearing;
- Bloodshot eyes and/or blisters on the hands or fingers from where the child inserted them into the mouth to induce vomiting;
- Exercises excessively;
- Experiences mood swings;
- Unhealthy focus and concern about their physical appearance; and
- Depression.
It is important to recognize the signs of bulimia because of the devastating effects it can have on a child's body. Some of them include:
- Weight gain (many children and adults with bulimia are actually at a normal weight, fluctuate weight constantly, or are slightly overweight)
- Tooth decay and mouth sores
- Damage to the heart
- Chronic sore throat (from vomiting)
- Swollen cheeks and salivary glands
- Ulcers
- Ruptured stomach or esophagus
- Chronic constipation (if laxatives are involved)
