Bulimia Factsheet (for Schools)

What Teachers Should Know

Bulimia, also known as bulimia nervosa, is an eating disorder in which people frequently eat large amounts of food over short periods of time (binge eat). They do things to make up for overeating (called purging). They may make themselves throw up on purpose, use laxatives, diuretics, or weight loss pills, fast, or exercise a lot to prevent weight gain.

People with bulimia are usually normal weight or overweight. The health problems linked to bulimia are related to purging behaviors. Frequent vomiting can cause:

• stomach pain
• tooth erosion and decay
• swollen cheeks (salivary glands)
• dehydration

Vomiting, laxative abuse, and diuretics can lead to serious problems, like life-threatening irregular heart rhythms. Mental health problems like anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and depression are more common in people with bulimia

Students with bulimia may:

• have their weight go up and down
• judge themselves based on weight or body shape
• go to the bathroom right after meals
• spend a lot of time exercising or working out
• act withdrawn, anxious, depressed, and have low self-esteem
• avoid social activities and class parties that celebrate with food
• need extra time to make up homework or assignments missed due to medical, nutrition, and counseling appointments

What Teachers Can Do

Early detection is the best way to successfully treat eating disorders such as bulimia. If you know or suspect that a student has an eating disorder, it is important to refer them for help. The school counselor or school nurse can help.

In your classroom, keep an atmosphere that promotes health and wellness without focusing on weight. Demonstrating healthy attitudes about food, exercise, and body image can help set a good example for your students.