AbstractAvailable studies indicate that the bulimia syndrome is a fairly common problem in young women. However, the exact incidence is unknown. In addition to binge‐eating, patients with the problem usually either selfinduce vomiting or abuse laxatives as a means to rid themselves of unwanted food. A variety of medical complications have been described in association with bulimia including electrolyte abnormalities, parotid gland swelling, gastric dilatation and dental problems. Medical conditions which can mimic the bulimia syndrome are discussed. Little is known about the longitudinal course of this disorde