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Bulimia
Bulimia is an eating disorder brought on
by different psychological factors. Those with bulimia use a binge and purge
method to control caloric intake. This involves eating an excessive amount
of food (binging), followed by some sort of purging method. Purging is done
to rid the body of the food and to prevent weight gain. Purging is commonly
done by forcing vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, excessively
exercising, or even not eating at all for a period after the binge.
Bulimia is not usually an eating disorder having much to do with food or
body image. More often, it has more to do with the loss of control that a
person feels in life, accompanied by other emotional or psychological
issues. Bulimia is much more common in Western society, and 90% of those who
suffer from it are women.
Those most at risk for developing bulimia include:
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Adolescents under the age of 25
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Athletes (especially gymnasts and dancers)
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Perfectionists
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Models
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High academic achievers
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Those who have suffered abuse as a child,
physically or sexually
Bulimia often occurs in cycle, with one sufferer going through a pattern of
binging and purging every couple of months, while another might purge many
times each day, after every meal, or only in private. Most bulimics cannot
control the compulsion to binge and purge, and it takes a huge emotional
toll on the sufferer.
Health-related Problems
Bulimia can cause many health-related problems, and can even lead to death.
Some of the physical, emotional, and psychological fallout can include:
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Malnutrition and dehydration
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Teeth and gum damage
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Permanent throat and voice damage
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Ulcers
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Hair loss
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Edema (swelling)
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Digestive problems, such as Crohn’s
disease
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Low blood pressure
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Anemia
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Muscle atrophy
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Depression
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Insomnia
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Amenorrhea (no menstrual period)
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Infertility
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Arthritis
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Diabetes
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Internal bleeding
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Liver or kidney failure
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Heart failure
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Seizures
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Death as a result of heart attack, stroke,
or suicide
Because, unlike with Anorexia, bulimics are often at a normal body weight,
the disorder is very difficult to recognize. Bulimics often try desperately
to hide their condition out of shame or embarrassment.
Treatment for bulimia works best if caught early in the onset of the
problem. This doesn’t usually happen though, because sufferers are often so
good at hiding the condition. Treatment centers can provide long-term care,
emotional support, and treatment for bulimics who want help. Psychotherapy
often proves helpful, as does treatments with antidepressants. The best way
to avoid bulimia in future generations is to teach our children to not focus
so much on their external appearance, but on their inner qualities, as well
as educating them of healthy diet and exercise habits.
How does Anorexia Nervosa
affect the Body?
Excessive Appetite for a small
percentage means Prader-Willi Syndrome
Healthy
Eating Disorder
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