A closer look on Bulimia

I have updated my ED guide pages and it is now filled with information about not only Anorexia but also Bulimia. Keep checking back because I will soon dig deeper in the issues of binge eating disorder (BED) and ortorexia. The information is too long to post in full-length in the blog page but here comes a summary:

Bulimia Nervosa (from greek: meaning ravenous or insatiable hunger) is a serious eating disorder and mental illness characterized by binging on large amounts of food which is then followed by attempts to get rid of the food through purging (throwing up), using laxatives, extreme exercise or committing to bouts of very restrictive eating.

Bulimia is more common in occurrence than anorexia and is also more common in women than men. It affects nearly 1% of the people in the United States (3 % of the female population) at some time in their life and although that might sound like a small number, it corresponds to millions of individuals! Another scary statistic is that bulimia’s frequency of occurrence has doubled since the 1960s - something we have to put a stop to! 

What are some common bulimic signs and symptoms?

·         Secrecy surrounding eating

·         Alternating between overeating and fasting

·         Obsession about food, calories and fat content

·         Going to the bathroom after meals

·         Excessive exercising, especially after eating

·         Calluses or scars on the knuckles or hands

The consequences of bulimia are many and often dangerous; in rare cases it can even be fatal. It affects the individual in a number of ways including impacting his/her physical, mental and social health. It can destroy the teeth with dental cavities and enamel erosion (from the stomach acids) as well as cause stomach ulcers and open soars in the throat and mouth from purging. Electrolyte imbalances (low potassium levels) are common and can lead to heart rhythm problems or even heart failure. Other consequences are loss of menstruation, muscle weakness and severe fatigue or fainting. Bulimia is often linked with depression and it is estimated that in half of the cases the individual is battling these two conditions at the same time.

The treatment of this complex disorder is very critical and usually the earlier the disorder is detected – the better. But remember that it is never too late to seek treatment! I always encourage everyone to get help because there is a lot that can be done for you even if you have been ill for years and years! One of the hardest challenges that faces people recovering from bulimia is to enforce and explore the attitude that a person’s self-worth is not based on weight or body-shape!