Bulimia nervosa, also known simply as bulimia, is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating (eating large quantities of food in a short period of time, often feeling out of control) followed by compensatory behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting or fasting, to prevent weight gain.
Other efforts to lose weight may include the use of diuretics, laxatives, stimulants, water fasting, or excessive exercise. Most people with bulimia have normal weight and greater risk of other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, and problems with alcohol and other drugs, along with greater risk of suicide and self-harm.