Bulimia Nervosa is a serious mental condition. Those suffering from the disorder have an obsessive fear of gaining weight, becoming completely preoccupied with weight and appearance. Unlike anorexics, many of the sufferers of Bulimia are not obviously underweight. They may even be slightly overweight or obese.  Bulimics frequently eat inordinately large amounts of food, scoffing up to ten times the daily recommended calorie intake in a single sitting, and then, overcome by shame and guilt, and to avoid weight gain, they will purge themselves by self-induced vomiting, the use of strong laxative or diuretics, excessive exercise, the use of enemas or fasting.

Millions of Americans suffer from an eating disorder and devastatingly enough, many go untreated. — Greta Gleissner LCSW

 

Binges may occur several times a day for months on end. During the binges, the bulimic feels out of control. Feeling empty and alone, those who suffer from this condition are deeply ashamed of their behavior and will hide the evidence of the condition from family and friends; this was an issue discussed by BetterHelp. Because of this, Bulimia often goes undiagnosed for long periods of time. Sufferers are so ashamed of the condition that even when they consult medical practitioners about other physical or psychological conditions, they will hide the fact that they have an eating disorder.

 

Bulimia is most prevalent among adolescent girls and young women. In the United States, one percent of women and 0.1 percent of men are affected at any given time. There are two types of Bulimic: those who eat and purge and those who do not induce vomiting but engage in fasting or excessive exercise to prevent weight gain.

 

Causes of Bulimia

 

 

Driven by poor body image and low self-esteem, people with Bulimia have an irrational fear of gaining weight. The result is that they are always on restrictive diets, which they rebel against by binge eating. This, in turn, results in dieting and/or purging. Sufferers are trapped in a cycle of bingeing, shame, and purging. The irony is that purging will not result in weight loss, and the cycle of binge eating and purging may even end in weight gain.

Someone who is struggling with an eating disorder may attempt to eat “normally” in the presence of others, and then look for opportunities to be alone to find ways to binge or purge. — Lisa Ferentz LCSW-C, DAPA

Bulimia is thought to result from a combination of environmental, genetic, cultural, and psychological factors. Some of the contributing factors may be requirements of the career or profession, life traumas, and poor self-esteem and body image.

 

Some people may be psychologically predisposed to suffering from the condition. In Western society, self-worth and success are often correlated with a slim and trim form. People with Bulimia very often also suffer from co-existing disorders such as anxiety and depression. A 2007 study found that around eighty percent of those with the condition also suffered from anxiety. Sufferers often have a history of relationship problems and physical and sexual abuse.

 

Bulimia can have serious health implications

 

 

Untreated Bulimia can have serious and long-term health implications.

 

• Frequent use of laxatives and self-induced vomiting weaken the heart and can lead to heart attack and death.
• Vomiting erodes the tooth enamel, causing tooth decay.
• Frequent binge eating stretches the stomach, making it easier to eat even more. Even so, the stomach lining may tear causing internal bleeding.
• The binge and purge cycle can result in chemical imbalances that can cause serious damage to the major organs.
• Dehydration can cause kidney damage or dizziness
• Frequent vomiting damages the esophagus
• The salivary glands swell
• Abuse of laxatives can cause gastrointestinal problems
• Infertility can result

 

In addition to the serious health implications, social isolation, relationship problems, and substance abuse frequently accompany Bulimia.

Students with a BMI in the “overweight” or “obese” range were at the highest risk and students with a BMI in the “underweight” range were surprisingly at the lowest risk. — Alexis Conason Psy.D.

Noticeable signs and symptoms

 

 

Given the serious health implications and the secret shame of bulimic, if you have a friend or relative that you suspect may be Bulimic, you should look out for the signs below:

 

• Preoccupation with body weight and shape
• Harsh judgment of any perceived personal shortcoming
• Shame and embarrassment
• Gastric reflux
• Little nicks and scratches on the hands caused by the teeth
• Little red marks on the face from burst blood vessels
• Enlarged glands in the neck and under the jaw
• Burst arteries in the eyes
• Irregular menstruation
• Puffy cheeks
• Sores in the mouth
• Raspy voice caused by inflamed esophagus
• Constant weight fluctuation or the consumption of large amounts of food with no apparent weight gain
• Lack of control when eating
• Hiding the food, eating in the quiet
• Alternating between overindulgence and fasting
• Food disappearing
• Going to the bathroom after meals
• Empty laxative and diuretic packets
• Smell of vomit
• Excessive exercise

 

When approaching a friend or relative about your suspicions, remember that they are embarrassed and ashamed of the condition and that they may well deny that they have a problem. You should prepare for the discussion beforehand. It is important that you educate yourself about eating disorders. The discussion must take place in a comfortable, non-threatening environment, and they should be encouraged to express their feelings and emotions. You should be non-judgmental, making it clear that their well-being is your only concern. You should encourage them to seek help as soon as possible, as early intervention offers the best chance of full recovery.