Bulimia is a life-threatening eating disorder. Understand symptoms, causes, treatments and more.
What is bulimia nervosa?Bulimia nervosa, commonly known as bulimia, is an eating disorder and psychological condition in which the subject engages in recurrent binge eating followed by feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation and intentional purging to compensate for the excessive eating, usually to prevent weight gain. Purging can take the form of vomiting, fasting, inappropriate use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics or other medication, or excessive physical exercise. Mainly women aged 16-40, but it most commonly starts around the age of 19. It sometimes develops in men and children.What are the symptoms?People with bulimia: * Binge on a regular basis. They eat large amounts of food in a short period of time, often over a couple of hours or less. * Purge to get rid of the food and avoid weight gain. They may make themselves vomit, exercise very hard or for a long time, or misuse laxatives, enemas, water pills (diuretics), or other medicines. * Base how they feel about themselves on how much they weigh and how they look.The reasons why you binge eat and then purge may not be easy to explain. Part of the problem may be due to a fear of getting fat, but it is often not just as simple as that. All sorts of emotions, feelings, and attitudes may contribute. The physical act of bingeing and purging may be a way of dealing with your emotions in some way.What is the cause of the disease?The cause of bulimia nervosa is unknown. Factors in the patient's social environment are important, including the cultural pressure for women in the Western world to aspire to an unnaturally slim body weight. However, most people with bulimia nervosa maintain a normal body weight. Patients with bulimia nervosa often suffer from low self-esteem.Risk Factors of BulimiaThere are certain professions where eating orders are more prevalent. Thinness is usually emphasized in these professions. The professions are: modeling, dancing, gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running. TreatmentThe way to treat a bulimic patient is through psychological therapy and nutritional counseling. Depending on the severity of the condition, hospitalization may be required. Support groups for people with eating disorders available and are encouraged. With therapy and support, the bulimic person can eventually develop healthy eating patterns. Treatment of any physical or teeth problems that may occur. This may include taking potassium supplements, dental care, and not using laxatives.Nutritional therapy. Dietitians and other health care providers can offer information about a healthy diet and help design an eating plan to achieve a healthy weight and healthy-eating habits.With proper treatment, most people with bulimia recover. For some, though, the condition becomes a lifelong battle. Periods of bingeing and purging may come and go through the years, depending on life circumstances
