1. Recurrent episodes of binge eating: Eating, within any 2-hour period, an amount of food that is definitely larger than most people would eat under similar circumstances; A sense of lack of control over eating during the episode; Inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain (vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, enemas, fasting, excessive exercise, etc.)

2. The binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors both occur, on average, at least twice a week for 3 months

3. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight

4. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia

Purging Type: Regularly engages in purging to prevent weight gain

Non-Purging Type: Engages in compensatory behaviors (exercising/fasting) only

Affected: Bulimia affects 1-4% of the USA population