Bulimia Nervosa (also known as Nervosa, Bulimia): An eating disorder that is characterized by a cycle of binge eating (BULIMIA or bingeing) followed by inappropriate acts (purging) to avert weight gain. Purging methods often include self-induced VOMITING, use of LAXATIVES or DIURETICS, excessive exercise, and FASTING.

NIH MeSH · D052018Psychiatry and Psychology

Bulimia Nervosa

Also known asNervosa, Bulimia

Definition

An eating disorder that is characterized by a cycle of binge eating (BULIMIA or bingeing) followed by inappropriate acts (purging) to avert weight gain. Purging methods often include self-induced VOMITING, use of LAXATIVES or DIURETICS, excessive exercise, and FASTING.

MeSH classification

  • F03.400.250

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Related concepts

Anorexia Nervosa

An eating disorder that is characterized by the lack or loss of APPETITE, known as ANOREXIA. Other features include excess fear of becoming …

Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

An eating or feeding disturbance (e.g., apparent lack of interest in eating or food; avoidance based on the sensory characteristics of food;…

Binge-Eating Disorder

A disorder associated with three or more of the following: eating until feeling uncomfortably full; eating large amounts of food when not ph…

Common questions about Bulimia Nervosa

What does Bulimia Nervosa mean in medicine?
An eating disorder that is characterized by a cycle of binge eating (BULIMIA or bingeing) followed by inappropriate acts (purging) to avert weight gain. Purging methods often include self-induced VOMITING, use of LAXATIVES or DIURETICS, excessive exercise, and FASTING. This definition is taken from the National Library of Medicine's MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) 2026 release, which is the standard vocabulary used to index PubMed and most medical literature.
Is Bulimia Nervosa known by any other names?
Yes. Bulimia Nervosa is also referred to as Nervosa, Bulimia in different clinical, research and patient-facing contexts. The MeSH descriptor groups all of these synonyms under a single canonical concept so research and records stay consistent.
Where does Bulimia Nervosa sit in the medical classification?
Bulimia Nervosa falls under the broader medical category "Psychiatry and Psychology" in the MeSH hierarchy (tree numbers: F03.400.250). Browsing the related concepts on this page takes you to neighbouring topics in the same branch of medicine.
Where can I get a plain-language explanation of Bulimia Nervosa?
For a plain-language explanation of Bulimia Nervosa - including symptoms, treatments and what it means for an Indian patient - ask GoDavaii's Health AI. It works in 22+ Indian languages, is free and needs no signup. Tap "Ask GoDavaii AI about Bulimia Nervosa" above.

Source: NIH MeSH 2026 (D052018) — National Library of Medicine, public domain. View official MeSH record ↗