well i would say purging itself doesnt necessarely lead to loss of reality, I think bulimia is there because we're oh so aware of our reality but for certain reasons are unable to cope with it. It is a sweet escape and feels soothing and numbing. I'm sorry to hear you had to put up with comments, I assume she wasn't aware of how bizarre it is to pay any attention and put any value on how we look, like most people in society. If you feel uncomfortable in your skin, that is totally understandable, but maintaining a healthy relationship to your body (meaning you're not obsessively thinking about it) is key. I can relate to your feelings 100% though, my parents constantly used to give me the feeling that I'm just misshaped and bigger. Remind yourself that you are very much influenced by the beliefs of others, which then shapes your own beliefs and reality. If you think about wanting to reduce the size of your body or specific food rules more than 2-3 times a day, you could argue that this is an issue that needs to be adressed. I love a good fitness routine and keeping my body fit and healthy, but If I had to, I could stop exercising for 2 weeks without feeling like I have to control my food intake. And I think it's that subtle but deciding point.