What is Bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa, or simply bulimia, is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder where people may secretly binge, then purge. This means they will eat large amounts of food with a loss of control over the eating then work to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. There are many ways people will work to remove these extra calories, including self-induced vomiting, the misuse of laxatives, weight-loss supplements, diuretics, or enemas after binging. This is most common in younger people, aged 15 to 25, most affecting females, but men can have it as well. It is likely that a person battling bulimia has come from a family with a history of eating disorder, physical illness, and/or other mental health problems. Those dealing with substance use disorder, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders are also more susceptible to bulimia.
Causes and Symptoms
There is no known cause of bulimia, but societal and cultural ideals play a role. Value is assigned to body weight and shape which can influence a person’s feelings about their own body, causing them to feel as though purging would be a good option to live up to these ideals. Scientists are also seeing the possibility of a genetic link as eating disorders tend to run in families.
The symptoms of bulimia are ones that someone else may be able to see and bring to a person’s attention. Frequent visits to the bathroom, particularly after meals, excessive exercising, preoccupation with body image, an intense fear of gaining weight, and withdrawing socially from friends and family are all symptoms that someone is battling bulimia. Some of these symptoms, such as the frequent bathroom trips and withdrawal, can be see by a loved one. Bulimia is a dangerous disorder which causes physical symptoms as well as mental symptoms. Due to excessive vomiting, dental issues can arise. This can cause erosion of tooth enamel from stomach acid, causing teeth to appear clearer and become more sensitive. Other physical symptoms include swollen cheeks or jawline, constipation, acid reflux, fainting, muscle weakness, bloodshot eyes, and dehydration.
Health Complications
Bulimia, if continued, can cause health complications in a person’s life. This is because it prevents the body from getting the nutrients needed. Throat and stomach ulcers can form, tooth decay and cavities can occur, inflammation of the esophagus can happen, damage can be done to the intestines and stomach, an electrolyte imbalance can be formed, and heart failure may occur. Frequent purging is very dangerous to a person’s health and someone who is battling should look for help because it is out there for them to survive.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To be diagnosed, a person will go through a physical examination with their healthcare provider. They will discuss medical history as well as symptoms. It is very important to be honest with the healthcare provider as they are looking to help and provide aid. Additional tests may be ordered to see how the person’s health has been impacted. Treatment for bulimia is very similar to treatment for anorexia. Psychotherapy that focuses on thinking and behavior with techniques for developing healthy attitudes toward food and weight are one form of treatment. Nutritional counseling is another treatment which involves learning healthier ways to eat. Medication, such as antidepressants, may be used to aid in the reduction of binge eating and vomiting events, however, the long-term effectiveness is not clear. Finally, support groups are out there where people and their families meet and share stories.
Help is Available
Society today focuses so much on how a person’s body should look, making it hard for those who do not fit that ideal look to feel as though they are enough. When this becomes too much, a person may turn to something like bulimia, causing more harm than good. If you or someone you care about may be dealing with bulimia, the Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness is a helpline that is available at 1-866-662-1235 to provide compassionate assistance towards recovery and healing for who needs it.
