Bulimia
What is Bulimia?
Bulimia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening
eating disorder characterized by a cycle of bingeing
and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced
vomiting designed to undo or compensate for the
effects of binge eating.
More detailed professional descriptions
include the regular intake of large amounts of
food accompanied by a sense of loss of control
of eating behavior. Regular use of inappropriate
compensatory behaviors may include self-induced
vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting,
and/or obsessive/compulsive exercise. Concerns
about weight and shape are also characteristic
of those with bulimia nervosa. People struggling
with bulimia often appear to be of normal body
weight.
Eating disorder specialists believe
that the chance for recovery increases the earlier
bulimia nervosa is detected. Therefore, it is
important to be aware of some of the warning signs
of bulimia nervosa.
- Evidence
of binge-eating, including disappearance of
large amounts of food in short periods of time
or the existence of wrappers and containers
indicating the consumption of large amounts
of food.
- Evidence
of purging behaviors, including frequent trips
to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells
of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages
of laxatives or diuretics.
-
Excessive, rigid exercise regimen--despite weather,
fatigue, illness, or injury--the need to “burn
off” calories taken in.
- Unusual
swelling of the cheeks or jaw area.
- Calluses
on the back of the hands and knuckles from self-induced
vomiting.
- Discoloration
or staining of the teeth.
- Creation
of complex lifestyle schedules or rituals to
make time for binge-and-purge sessions.
- Withdrawal
from usual friends and activities.
- In
general, behaviors and attitudes indicating
that weight loss, dieting, and control of food
are becoming primary concerns.
Health Hazards
Bulimia
nervosa is frequently associated with symptoms
of depression and changes in social adjustment.
Bulimia can also be extremely harmful to
the body. The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles
can impact the entire digestive system and purge
behaviors can lead to electrolyte and chemical
imbalances in the body that affect the heart and
other major organ functions. Health consequences
include:
- Electrolyte
imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats
and possibly heart failure and death. Electrolyte
imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss
of potassium and sodium from the body as a result
of purging behaviors.
- Inflammation
and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent
vomiting.
- Tooth
decay and staining from stomach acids released
during frequent vomiting.
- Chronic
irregular bowel movements and constipation as
a result of laxative abuse.
- Gastric
rupture is an uncommon but possible side effect
of binge eating.
Many people struggling with bulimia
nervosa recognize that their behaviors are unusual
and perhaps dangerous to their health, but do
not seek treatment due to embarrassment or shame
regarding their behaviors.
Many individuals have approached
their loved one regarding his/her eating disorder,
with no success. It may be helpful when
talking with your loved one, to have a third party
present that is professionally trained and knowledgeable
about bulimia nervosa.
Addiction Intervention Resources moves your family
out of crisis and assists in addressing your loved
one’s eating disorder.
To read more information on our Intervention Programs, Click Here or call our National Call Center 800.561.8158