Eating disorders: 2. Bulimia nervosa.

More common than anorexia and less easily detected, bulimia typically begins as an attempt to control weight. The prognosis is better than in anorexia, however; more than 80% of patients recover. Most complications relate to the method of purging. Self-induced vomiting may have oral and esophageal sequelae, and abuse of diuretics, laxatives, or diet pills can induce profound intestinal and systemic effects.