Anorexia vs. Bulimia: The Key Differences

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia, also known as Anorexia Nervosa is an eating disorder where a person suffers from an intense fear of gaining weight. This makes the person restrict his/her dietary intake either by reducing the quantity of food or completely refraining from eating. People suffering from anorexia perceive themselves as overweight, even though they are underweight and often malnourished.

The primary symptoms of anorexia are as follows:

• Conspicuous weight loss

• Fatigue

• Insomnia

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Brittle nails

• Absence of menstruation in women

• Constipation

• Dryness of the skin

• Obsessive fear of weight gain

• Restrictive eating

• Excessive exercising

• Social withdrawal

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia, also known as Bulimia Nervosa is a psychological disorder where the person is scared of weight gain. In order to prevent weight gain, such individuals use tactics like self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or excessive use of laxatives and diuretics.

The symptoms of Bulimia are as follows:

• Weight fluctuation

• Swollen Cheeks

• Dental issues

• Sore throat

• Acid reflux

• Dehydration

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Scars on the knuckles

• Secretly vomiting after eating

• Mood Swings

• Obsession with body weight

Anorexia vs. Bulimia

Here’s a comparison between the both conditions: