ARLINGTON, Va., July 15 (UPI) -- Despite being the land of plenty -- even excess -- in recent years, the United States has experienced an epidemic of eating disorders. One of these, bulimia, a condition reported to have afflicted Diana, the late princess of Wales, is characterized by alternating cycles of binging on food followed by purging. In addition to the obvious psychological effects, bulimia can inflict tremendous damage on the sufferer's body and metabolism.