Eating Disorders Program
Bulimia
Bulimia nervosa is thought to affect 1-3% of adolescent and young adult women, with approximately 80% of those affected being female. Bulimia usually develops in the late teens or early twenties. Those suffering from Bulimia are often of average weight, and thus the disease is often able to go undetected for long periods of time.
Characteristics:
- Recurrent episodes of bingeing (consuming large quantities of food in small periods of time)
- Engaging in compensatory behaviors such as purging, laxative and diuretic abuse, excessive exercise, or fasting to counter previous binge episodes
- A sense of lack of control of eating
- Intense fear of gaining weight or becoming fat
- Placing self esteem and self worth upon body weight or shape
Other Characteristics:
- Many struggling with bulimia nervosa recognize that their behaviors are unusual and dangerous to their health, often feeling ashamed
- Often sufferers binge secretly or as inconspicuously as possible. Evidence of binge-eating behaviors include the disappearance of large amounts of food in short time periods (existence of empty wrappers or containers)
- Bulimics tend to be more prone to impulsive behaviors such as stealing, drug and alcohol abuse, and sexual promiscuity
Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa:
- Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and possibly heart failure
- Inflammation and potential rupture of the esophagus from frequent purging
- Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during purging
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse
- Gastric rupture from frequent bingeing
Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
- Swelling of the cheeks and jaw area
- Bruised and callused knuckles and hands from self induced vomiting
- Weight gain or maintenance, despite frequent dieting
- Seeming to eat more of a regular basis
- Disappearing to the bathroom for long periods after meals
- Frequent depression
- Bloodshot eyes
- Creation of complex lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge-and-purge sessions
- Withdrawal from typical social activities and friends and family
