Bulimia (say “boo-LEE-mee-uh”) is an eating disorder that causes people to eat a large amount of food in a short time (binge). Then, in order to prevent weight gain, they do something to get rid of the food (purge), like vomit, exercise too much, or take laxatives.

A person who has bulimia may be a normal size and deny that there’s a problem. But over time, it can cause serious health problems. With treatment, many people can stop the binge-purge cycle.