What You Should Know About Bulimia Nervosa
The eating disorder known as Bulimia Nervosa is not as common as Anorexia Nervosa. While both anorexia and bulimia are eating disorders, each is characterized by a unique set of characteristics. People who suffer from an eating disorder in general may switch between bulimia and anorexia.
Unlike people who suffer from anorexia, people with bulimia are often of normal weight. They do not fall into the underweight or overweight category. The condition is marked by a method of binging and purging where large amounts of food is eaten in a very short period of time and then vomited up in order to prevent weight gain. Bulimia is a compound disorder that is often shared with the abuse of laxative, and water pills or diuretics. Just as the two eating disorders are different, those that suffer from the eating disorders often suffer in different ways. Some bulimics will rarely binge eat, but commonly purge. This form of bulimia can lead to quick and unhealthy weight loss and even death.
The Symptoms and Causes of Bulimia
While eating disorders are most commonly associated with the societal ideals of "healthy" weight, to consider this the only reason for the occurrence of bulimia, or any other eating disorder, would be oversimplifying the condition. During the onset of puberty, many girls fight with body image and this can lead to the inception of bulimia.
Unfortunately, a simple thing like weight control can lead to a life long battle with a dangerous eating disorder like bulimia.
For many people who suffer from bulimia, control is the key factor. They feel as though food is the only means of control in their lives and they often hang on to the one thing they have for themselves. Even though control is sought, the act of purging can lead to high levels of guilt then leading to the need for control again and thus the cycle of binge eating and purging begins again.
The uniqueness of people who suffer from bulimia is as vast as the reasons for which the disease process began. Sexually abuse, teasing due to being overweight and a need to fit in with their peers are all reasons marked at the onset of bulimia.
Bulimia is a very secretive disorder. The symptoms can include:
- Knuckle abrasions or scars (from using the fingers to purge)
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after eating
- Tooth decay from stomach acids in the mouth
- Cramping of the joints (lack of potassium)
- Irregular heart beats
- Extreme tiredness, weakness or bouts of fainting
- Quick weight loss
The Results of Bulimia
What happens to the body of a person who suffers from bulimia? Extreme weight loss in women with bulimia can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, slowing metabolism, damage to the digestive system, marked decreases in skin, hair, nail and teeth health, heart problems and death.
For the bulimic, what started as a need for control may lead to a need to fight for their lives.
Recovering From Bulimia
The rates of bulimia in Western society are on the rise. The secretive nature of the disease and the fact that many bulimics are of "normal" weight can create a difficult task of diagnosing the disease.
The first step of recovery is acceptance of the fact that the condition is real and that suffering from bulimia can lead to death. Once this step is reached, there is help for conquering bulimia nervosa.
The path to recovery is not a fast one. Bulimia is a learned activity and the body soon becomes accustomed to living without food and therefore must learn again how to digest properly. As with any addiction, once a bulimic is born they are always a bulimic, constantly fighting with the need to control themselves through binge eating and / or purging.
Eating Disorder Clinics are available through many local hospitals and are often offered as either in-patient care or out-patient care. Other forms of treatment include anti-depressants (such as Prozac) and psychotherapy or counseling.
