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(HealthNewsDigest.com) – Bulimia Nervosa is a dangerous eating disorder. Unlike anorexia in which men and women starve themselves, bulimics binge eat and then purge that food from their system. Most people associate the purge with vomiting, but bulimics may engage in strenuous exercise to burn off the caloric intake, fast, or use diuretics, enemas or laxatives to get food through the system quickly.
Both men and women are susceptible to bulimia. The late Princess Diana suffered from bulimia, and so did Sir Elton John, the popular British musician. While the condition is most prevalent among Caucasians, it does affect other groups too.
Understanding the Two Sub-Types
Bulimics are classified into two groups: non-purging and purging.
Non-purging bulimics account for six to eight percent of all cases. These bulimics do not rid the body of food; instead, they turn to extreme exercise sessions or fasting to make up for the calories they consume.
Those in the purging group work to expel the food they ingest. They induce vomiting, take diuretics or laxatives, or even ingest tapeworms in order to make up for the binge.
Know the Symptoms of Bulimia
Bulimics have psychological issues impacting their lifestyle. They may suffer from anxiety or depression, and they feel that they lack control. These signs can be hard to spot, so watch for these common symptoms of bulimia.
- Periods of binge eating occur regularly and usually in secret. Binge eating involves eating an abnormally large amount of food during a specific period of time and given the circumstances. The bulimic also feels a loss of control.
- After binge eating, the person attempts to lose the weight in abnormal ways. As an example, the person may induce vomiting by sticking a finger down the throat or use laxatives. Obsessive exercise, excessive use of diet pills, and diuretics are common practices of bulimics.
- Episodes of binge eating and purging occur a minimum of twice a week for a period of three or more months.
- Bulimics see themselves as having a negative body shape or think that they weigh too much, and that influences a healthy evaluation of themselves.
Physical Issues Resulting from Bulimia
A number of health problems occur as a result of the routine binging and purging. Malnutrition is one of them. Because food isn’t always allowed to digest, the person isn’t getting enough vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Excessive exercise may lead to dehydration or throw off the electrolytes. The use of diuretics also impacts the body’s natural balance of electrolytes.
Gastric juices burn the lining of the throat and esophagus. Esophageal reflux, gum damage, and erosion of the teeth occur from routine exposure to stomach acids. Damage to the esophagus, peptic ulcers, and pancreatitis are other dangers. Blood rushes to the face when a person throws up, so swelling of the cheeks and face may occur. With the use of laxatives, the body’s bowel function is impacted, leading to a dependence on the medications.
Don’t ignore the warning signs of a loved one’s eating disorder. Seek help and support from The Bella Vita. There are facilities in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, and a residential healing center and transitional/healthy living programs that help patients with the transition to their home. Call the 24/7 help line at (818) 585-1775 to arrange a consultation with Dr. Pitts.
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