10 Symptoms of Bulimia

5. Constant Weight Fluctuations

People who have bulimia may gain and lose a huge amount of weight in a short period. This weight fluctuation is commonly due to re-hydration and fluid shifting. In some cases, individuals may experience severe edema, a condition characterized by an excess of fluid collecting in the cavities or tissues of the body. Weight inconsistencies can be challenging--not only physiologically, but also from a psychological point of view. In addition, compensatory behaviors such as laxative use, vomiting, and diuretics can cause dangerous shifts in weight variance. Often, these purging behaviors promote initial weight loss due to loss of fluid and dehydration; however, this type of weight loss is often temporary.