Bulimia
Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by preoccupation with
food and weight and recurrent episodes of binge eating during which
large amounts of food are eaten in short periods of time (typically
in two hours or less). These episodes are followed by purging behaviors
which might include vomiting, laxative abuse, diuretics or enemas,
excessive exercise or fasting… all done in an attempt to prevent
weight gain.
"Out-of
Control"
People
with bulimia report feeling "out of control". They fear
they will get fat. Still they can't seem to stop bingeing. Usually
after a binge they feel guilty and emotionally upset and that motivates
them to purge. Many people report feeling some relief after the
purge, making these behaviors self-reinforcing and the cycle very
difficult to break. Binge eating and purging are usually done in
secret.
Excessive
Thinking About
Body Shape and Weight
How
a person feels about him or herself at any given point in the day
is excessively influenced by their body shape and weight. According
to statistics (ANAD), most people with bulimia fall within a somewhat
normal weight range. Weight may fluctuate more than 10 pounds as
the result of alternate bingeing and fasting. (At the Acoria Center
we have seen many bulimics who have had a long history of very wide
weight swings. At the time they begin treatment, some are under
a healthy weight, some are at a healthy weight and still others
are significantly above a health weight range.)
Medical
and Psychological
Consequences
Serious
medical problems can include damage to the heart, kidneys, liver,
pancreas, thyroid, colon, esophagus, ruptured stomach, excessive
bleeding and/or neurological abnormalities. Those who purge through
vomiting often experience erosion of tooth enamel and gums, swollen
salivary glands and broken blood vessels in the eyes.
Living with this secret and with the actual consequences of the
bingeing and purging behaviors has great impact on all aspects of
a person's life: their physical and emotional health, self-esteem,
their moods and their social relationships.
