Bulimia is an eating disorder brought on by different psychological factors. Those with bulimia use a binge and purge method to control caloric intake. This involves eating an excessive amount of food (binging), followed by some sort of purging method. Purging is done to rid the body of the food and to prevent weight gain. Purging is commonly done by forcing vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, excessively exercising, or even not eating at all for a period after the binge.
Bulimia is not usually an eating disorder having much to do with food or body image. More often, it has more to do with the loss of control that a person feels in life, accompanied by other emotional or psychological issues. Bulimia is much more common in Western society, and 90% of those who suffer from it are women.
Those most at risk for developing bulimia include: Adolescents under the age of 25
Athletes (especially gymnasts and dancers)
Perfectionists
Models
High academic achievers
Those who have suffered abuse as a child, physically or sexually
Bulimia often occurs in cycle, with one sufferer going through a pattern of binging and purging every couple of months, while another might purge many times each day, after every meal, or only in private. Most bulimics cannot control the compulsion to binge and purge, and it takes a huge emotional toll on the sufferer.
Health-related Problems Bulimia can cause many health-related problems, and can even lead to death. Some of the physical, emotional, and psychological fallout can include:
Malnutrition and dehydration
Teeth and gum damage
Permanent throat and voice damage
Ulcers
Hair loss
Edema (swelling)
Digestive problems, such as Crohn’s disease
Low blood pressure
Anemia
Muscle atrophy
Depression
Insomnia
Amenorrhea (no menstrual period)
Infertility
Arthritis
Diabetes
Internal bleeding
Liver or kidney failure
Heart failure
Seizures
Death as a result of heart attack, stroke, or suicide
Because, unlike with Anorexia, bulimics are often at a normal body weight, the disorder is very difficult to recognize. Bulimics often try desperately to hide their condition out of shame or embarrassment.
Treatment for bulimia works best if caught early in the onset of the problem. This doesn’t usually happen though, because sufferers are often so good at hiding the condition. Treatment centers can provide long-term care, emotional support, and treatment for bulimics who want help. Psychotherapy often proves helpful, as does treatments with antidepressants. The best way to avoid bulimia in future generations is to teach our children to not focus so much on their external appearance, but on their inner qualities, as well as educating them of healthy diet and exercise habits.
A look at some causes of Negative Body Image