Bulimia is a serious eating disorder. It’s characterized by cycles of binging, or eating excessive amounts of food in a single sitting, followed by purging, which is an attempt to get rid of the extra calories consumed. If it isn’t treated, bulimia has the potential to be life-threatening, due to the strain it causes on the body.People with bulimia struggle with body image and self-esteem. There is a sense of a loss of control with the binging episodes, followed by an attempt to regain control by purging. Purging takes many forms, including vomiting, fasting, using laxatives, and over-exercising.Bulimia is treatable, but professional assistance is often needed in order to recover. With help, people with bulimia can examine the underlying issues leading them to binge and purge, and learn to live a healthy lifestyle.