This is a psychological eating disorder in which people are eating large amounts of food consecutively. It occurs because they cannot control their eating and after that try inappropriate ways to lose weight. These include enemas, fasting, vomiting, diuretics and laxatives misuse, compulsive exercising, and others.
This health condition is known as bulimia or bulimia nervosa. Most people start to experience this condition in late childhood or early adulthood. Those who experience bulimia often feel ashamed and disgusted.
Most people with bulimia nervosa have a fear of weight gain and do not feel satisfied with their bodies. However, their weight is within the normal range according to age and height.
Risk Factors and Causes
Healthcare providers do not know why this eating disorder occurs. As per studies, a combination of personality traits, emotions, thinking patterns, and biological and environmental factors provoke this condition.
Furthermore, some research thinks bulimia occurs due to dissatisfaction with the body. People with bulimia nervosa can also experience low self-esteem and fear of gaining weight. Some experts suggest that genetic factor also plays a role. It means you may get the risk of developing bulimia from your biological parents. Check below for other risk factors:
- Women and people assigned to female at birth (AFAB) are more likely to develop this eating disorder than men and people assigned to male at birth (AMAB).
- Traumatic events
- Stress
- Frequent dieting
- Depression and anxiety
- Substance use disorders
Symptoms
People experience different symptoms and you may notice body and behavior changes. Check below some physical bulimia symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Dental problems
- Swollen glands in the face or neck
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Exhaustion
- Weakness
- Bloodshot eyes
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Sleeping disturbances
- Dry skin
- Vomiting
- Feeling cold
- Frequent weight gain and loss
- Overweight
Check below some behavior symptoms:
- Uncontrollably eating
- Stealing or hoarding food
- Skipping meals
- Food rituals (including eating only some foods, chewing more than is needed, not allowing foods to touch)
- Feeling out of control
- Excessive exercising
- Frequently using the bathroom, especially after meals
- Misuse of diuretics, enemas, laxatives, or other losing weight medications
- Persistent thoughts about body weight
- Mood swings
- Depression
- Consuming large amounts of free-calorie beverages or water
- Frequently use of mints, gum, or mouthwash
Moreover, it is advised to contact a doctor if a family member experiences an unhealthy focus weight and size or experiences an increased interest in food.
Complications
In case you ignore this condition and do not receive treatment, it may lead to certain complications. Examples include:
- Dental cavities and tooth discoloration
- Tooth sensitivity when eating hot or cold food
- Gum infections
- Soreness or swelling in the salivary glands
- Inflamed or sore throat
- Stomach ulcers
- Esophagus or stomach ruptures
- Disruption of poop habits
- Tooth enamel erosion
- Dehydration leads to mineral imbalances known as electrolytes (including potassium and calcium). In case you experience low levels of potassium and sodium in the blood you are more prone to develop certain health conditions. For example heart or kidney disease, diabetes, seizures, and others.
- Irregular heartbeat
- Reduced sex drive
- Myocardial infarction (rare)
- Suicidal behavior
- Self-harm
- Alcohol
- Misuse of alcohol or recreational drugs
- Gastroparesis (a condition in which the stomach loses the ability to digest food)
In case you notice any of the complications listed above, you should visit a doctor right away.
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals usually diagnose this eating disorder by asking some questions about symptoms, if you have gained or lost weight, physical symptoms, and medical history. They can also perform a physical examination, blood and urine tests, EKG (to check for heart problems), physiological examination, and others.
Treatment
Healthcare professionals usually prescribe different treatments to patients. It depends on the physical and physiological requirements. Check below some treatment options for bulimia:
Medical Treatments
- Medicines – Antidepressants (such as Fluoxetine)
- Hospitalization – In rare but severe bulimia nervosa cases, you may need to go to a hospital.
Psychotherapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family-based treatment (FBT) – This treatment option is used in children and teens with bulimia nervosa.
- Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) – This therapy helps to control the way to interact with other people including your emotional and mental health.
Nutritional Therapy
This therapy helps to teach you eating habits that include learning to control hunger and fullness.
Self-Care
The following tips can help you to treat this condition and can be used along with prescribed treatment. For example:
- Adopt a healthy diet
- Discuss with your doctor how much exercise is healthy for you
- It is advised to support someone with bulimia because it may help to cope with bulimia
- Try to avoid triggers (including photos on social media, stress, and others)
Is It Possible to Prevent Bulimia Nervosa?
Unfortunately, you cannot do anything to prevent this condition because it is unknown the exact cause. However, it is recommended to adopt and teach children healthy behaviors about food. For example:
- Promote healthy and realistic body image
- Try to explain that fad dieting is not a good idea
- Avoid discussions about weight with your children
- It is advised to have regular and frequent mealtimes with family members
In any case, if this condition occurs, you should focus on complications prevention. If you suspect your children or other family members have this eating disorder, it is advised to stay alert because those who experience eating disorders go on secretly for long periods.
When is Recommended to Visit a Doctor?
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Concerns about weight nevertheless not being fat
- Do not eat with other people
- Frequent use of laxatives or other weight loss medicines
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main bulimia nervosa symptom?
Those who suffer from this condition usually eat large amounts of food in a short period of time. In such cases, excessive use of laxatives, diuretics, and other weight-loss methods can occur.
What is the most common treatment for bulimia?
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most common treatment options prescribed by doctors. This treatment also can be used in people with depression. Discuss with your healthcare professional for more details.
How common is bulimia?
Approximately 4.7 million women and 1.5 million men suffer from this eating disorder in the U.S.
