What
is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia
nervosa, often simply called bulimia, is an eating disorder.
People with bulimia consume large amounts of food and then rid
their bodies of the excess calories by purging (self-induce
vomiting, misuse of laxatives or diuretics) or by non-purging
(excessive exercise, fasting) behaviors. Some bulimics use a
combination of purging and non-purging behaviors. The cycle
of overeating and purging can quickly become an addictive behavior.
Often, the individual will feel a loss of control during over
eating and the purging/nonpurging behavior becomes a way of
regaining control.
Who suffers from bulimia
nervosa?
As
with anorexia, bulimia typically begins during adolescence.
The condition occurs most often in women, but is also found
in men. Many people who suffer from bulimia "binge and
purge" in secret. They may maintain normal or above normal
body weight. Others may experience significant weight fluctuations.
Bulimia can occur in those with anorexia nervosa or it can occur
as a separate condition. The chances for recovery increase the
earlier bulimia nervosa is detected.
What are some of the
warning signs of bulimia?
The
binge-purge cycle may be accompanied by self-deprecating thoughts,
depression, and an awareness that the eating is abnormal and
out of control. Bulimia may be present when a person frequently
shows some of the following warning sings.
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-the feeling to "burn off" calories
taken in despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury.
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.
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What are the medical
consequences of bulimia?
Bulimia
can be extremely harmful to the body. The type of purging behavior
used can have varied effects on different body systems. Most
complications of bulimia result from electrolyte (salt in the
blood) imbalance or trauma from repeated purging behaviors.
· Self-induced vomiting can erode tooth enamel, increase
dental cavities, and create a sensitivity of the teeth to hot
or cold food. Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (cheek
area) can occur. Also, repeat vomiting can result in irritation
and tears in the lining of the throat, esophagus, and stomach
(ulcers). · The misuse of laxatives and diuretics results
in the loss of sodium and potassium that can damage the heart
muscle, increasing the risk for irregular heartbeats, heart
failure, and/or death. Also, misuse of laxatives can result
in chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation.
How is bulimia treated?
The
treatment of bulimia should address both physical and psychological
needs of the person. The ultimate outcome of treatment is to
restore physical health and normal eating patterns. Many times
treatment is undertaken by a team of medical, nutritional, and
mental health professionals to evaluate the severity and meaning
of the symptoms and to both prescribe and provide care. It is
essential that team members communicate regularly about the
patient and clarify their roles in treatment on an ongoing basis,
to the patient and the family, as well as to each other.
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For more information …
You can find out more about eating disorders and other mental
disorders by contacting the National Women's Health Information
Center (800-994-9662) or the following organizations:
National Institute of Mental Health
Phone: (301) 443-4513
Internet Address: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
National Eating Disorders Association.
Phone: (800) 931-2237
Internet Address: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org
Harvard Eating Disorders Center (HEDC)
Phone: (617) 236-7766
Internet Address: http://www.hedc.org
National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated
Disorders (ANAD)
Phone: (847) 831-3438
Internet Address: http://www.anad.org
Publication Date: 2001
