What is bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa is a life-threatening, serious eating disorder which is described as binge eating followed by purging. More specifically, individual with bulimia consume heavy meals in a limited time period and then attempt to get rid of the consumed food usually by vomiting, excessive exercise, taking a stimulant, diuretic or laxative due to great concern about their body weight.
Bulimia is classified in:
- Purging bulimia: after bingeing, individual with bulimia regularly misuse laxatives, enemas or diuretic or self-induce vomiting.
- Nonpurging bulimia: in order to avoid weight gain and get rid of calories, individual with bulimia uses some other methods such as excessive exercise, strict dieting or fasting.
Such behaviors usually overlap, whereas the effort to get rid of more calories is often referred purging, regardless of what your method is. Individual with bulimia remains preoccupied with his body shape and weight, and tend to judge his appearance harshly and severely due to the flaws he has self-perceived. Since it is not just regarding food, but your self-image, thus, it can be trouble overcoming bulimia.
What are the symptoms of bulimia nervosa?
Its symptoms include:
- Consuming excessive food until the point of pain or discomfort.
- Preoccupied with weight and body shape.
- Always fear to gain weight.
- Forcing to excessively exercise and vomit.
- Using herbal products or dietary supplements for losing weight.
- Believe that the eating behavior is impossible to control.
- Misusing enemas, diuretics or laxatives after eating.
What causes bulimia nervosa?
Its triggering causes are unknown till date; however few factors are considered contributing its development such as societal expectations, emotional health, biology and few other factors.
What are the risk factors of bulimia nervosa?
Certain risk factors of bulimia nervosa include:
- Emotional and psychological issues.
- Being female.
- Pressure of performance in sports.
- Age such as early adulthood or late in teenage life.
- Societal pressure.
- Biology: an eating disorder in your first-degree family.
- Deficiency in serotonin (brain chemical).
What are the possible complications of bulimia nervosa?
It can trigger many life-threatening and serious complications such as:
- Heart problems.
- Dehydration.
- Dum disease.
- Severe tooth decay.
- Depression and anxiety.
- Alcohol and drug abuse.
- Digestion problems.
- Menstruation period absence in females.
How is bulimia nervosa diagnosed?
Your doctor will need details regarding your attitude for food and eating habits. In case the doctor doubts bulimia, he can perform or suggest:
- Thorough physical exam.
- Urine or blood tests.
- Psychological evaluation.
How is bulimia nervosa treated?
You must seek professional help as early as possible if your doctor diagnoses the disorder. Treatment include
- Psychotherapy:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy.
- Dialectical behavior therapy.
- Family-based treatment.
- Medication:
- Antidepressants.
In case a person with bulimia is underweight because of the disorder, then the treatment will first work to maintain a balance weight. Health care providers and dietitians can help design a diet chart that can help you obtain good nutrition, eating habits and healthy weight.
By : Natural Health News
