Bulimia can typically begin during the late teens or early twenties. Bulimic view themselves as unable to control their eating and feel guilty and angry after binging. They generally find their own behaviour disgusting and are deeply ashamed of it so they try to keep it a secret. Then the disorder can go undetected for years even by close family members. The weight of the patient will remain close to normal but the eating pattern becomes gradually worse.

This disorder is characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, occurring at least twice a month for a minimum of three months

Binge eating, or eating uncontrollably
Frequent trips to the bathroom during or after meals and remaining there for longer periods.
Vomiting after meals or after eating regularly
Swollen glands in the face or neck due to repeated/forced vomiting.
Tendency to store/stock sugary or high-calorie junk foods
Tendency to leave the table immediately after a meal.
Not eating with the family
Stockpiles of laxatives, diuretics and/or diet pills
Decayed teeth
Foul breath
Scarring on the fingers used to induce vomiting
Abuse of laxatives or diuretics in attempts to lose weight
Mood swings
Irregular periods
Weight at or above normal
Signs of depression
Excessive, sometimes compulsive, exercise.