Warning Signs that Your Friend is Bulimic

As eating disorders go, bulimia is easier to hide than anorexia, because bulimics usually are of normal weight. However, there are definitely tell-tale signs. None of these signs alone is a definitive diagnosis of bulimia, but several of them together could mean your friend is bulimic.

Signs:

Your friend often goes to the bathroom during or immediately after a meal. Bulimics will often try to throw up food immediately after they eat it, when as little as possible has been digested. This means frequent trips to the bathroom immediately following meals. Some bulimics may go to the extent of not swallowing at the table. They will hold food in their mouth until they can slip away quietly to the bathroom to spit it all out.

Binge eating alone. Bulimics often try to hide their disease by eating normally around others and going through the binge and purge cycle when they are alone. The shame of binging makes it more likely that they will do it alone rather than in front of others. If you know your friend is hoarding sweet or fatty junk food and eats a lot of it when others aren't around, this could be a warning sign.

Broken blood vessel in the eye. If a bulimic person throws up forcefully enough, this puts strain on blood vessels, making it more likely that one will burst in a delicate place such as the eye. Of course, a broken blood vessel in the eye could mean a variety of things, not necessarily bulimia, but this combined with other signs should put you on the alert.

Raw knuckles or bite marks on the knuckles. By repeatedly sticking their fingers down their throat to make themselves throw up, a bulimic person can develop raw looking knuckles from their teeth rubbing against their knuckles.

Rotted teeth and bad breath. The acid from vomiting will frequently cause bad breath, and over time, erode the enamel, making a bulimic more susceptible to cavities.

Evidence of throwing up in the bathroom. It is impossible for a bulimic to clean up entirely every time they throw up. If you see bits of throw up in or around the toilet, this could be a pretty clear sign (unless the person has a stomach virus, of course). Also, a smell of vomit either in the bathroom or around the person could also be an indication.

Evidence of laxative use. If you know your friend is buying laxatives, this is another big red flag.

What to do:

If there are several consistent signs of bulimia, you will want to approach your friend about it and ask them. Let them know you are there to support them and help them. If you are worried about their immediate health, seek help from a medical professional.