binge-purge syndrome

binge-purge syndrome
    n 1: a disorder of eating in which the person alternates between
         strong craving for food and aversion to food; characterized
         by excessive eating followed by periods of fasting or self-
         induced vomiting [syn: {bulimarexia}, {binge-purge
         syndrome}, {binge-vomit syndrome}, {bulima nervosa}]
    

Bulimia \Bu*lim"i*a\ (b[u^]*l[i^]m"[i^]*[.a]), Bulimy
\Bu"li*my\, n. [NL. bulimia, fr. Gr. boylimi`a, lit., ox-hunger;
   boy^s ox + limo`s hunger: cf. F. boulimie.]
   1. (Med.) A disease in which there is a perpetual and
      insatiable appetite for food; a diseased and voracious
      appetite.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. a disordered eating habit characterized by occasional
      episodes of excessive eating, followed by self-induced
      vomiting or abuse of laxatives, to avoid gaining weight;
      it is often accompanied by feelings of guilt; -- called
      also {bulimia nervosa} and {binge-purge syndrome}. It is
      observed mainly in young women of normal weight.
      [PJC]