People with bulimia are preoccupied with eating, and experience irresistible cravings for food. They have episodes of grossly overeating and consuming large amounts of food in a short time, without any real control. They make up for this overeating by deliberately throwing up afterwards and starving themselves for a while. They might also exercise heaps and use laxatives or pills to reduce their appetite. People with bulimia often set themselves an unrealistic ideal weight, which they will never achieve. Unlike anorexia, people with bulimia may maintain a normal body appearance so it can be harder for friends or family to notice there is a problem. The vomiting, laxative use and excessive exercise can lead to heart problems, damage to teeth from stomach acids when vomiting, brittle bones and an increased likelihood of fractures. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may have bulimia and you want to find out what you can do, click here to get some information about people who can help.