Health & wellness

All You Need To Know About Bulimia Nervosa

All You Need To Know About Bulimia Nervosa

Do you have a friend who’s going through episodes of binge eating several days a month but somehow doesn’t get gain weight? Chances are that they may be bulimic! Continue to know all about bulimia nervosa.

What Is Bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa, also called bulimia, is a mental eating disorder that is characterized by binge episodes (consuming large amounts of food in one room). This comes along without a sense of control over eating behavior, and with inadequate weight loss methods like vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxative and diuretic substances, or compulsive exercise.

In childhood or early adulthood, bulimia tends to develop late. It affects women more frequently than men. People with bulimia often perform the behaviors in secret, feeling ashamed and disgusted when bingeing, yet relieved after purging. Bulimia people usually weight for age and height within the normal range. They may, however, be afraid to gain weight, desire to lose weight, and may feel deeply unhappy with their bodies.

All You Need To Know About Bulimia Nervosa

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Types of  Bulimia Nervosa

There are two common types of bulimia nervosa, which are as follows:

1.Purging type

The vast majority of people with this eating disorder are bulimia of this type. In this way, persons regularly vomit or abuse themselves after a period of bingeing, with laxatives, diuretic products, or enemas.

2. Non-Purging type:

The individual uses another inappropriate method of compensation for binge episodes, such as excessive exercise or fasting, as this form of bulimia nervousness. In such cases, typical forms of purging are not regularly used such as auto-induced vomiting.

Causes Of  Bulimia Nervosa

The exact cause of bulimia is not known, but research suggests that it may be responsible for a combination of certain personality traits, emotions, and thinking patterns, as well as biological and environmental factors. Researchers also think this eating disorder could start with a person’s dissatisfaction with body size and form and extreme concern. Individuals with bulimia usually have low self-esteem and overweight fear. The fact that bulimia tends to run in families also suggests the possibility of inheriting a susceptibility to the disorder.

Bulimia Nervosa Signs & Symptoms

Bulimia nervosa individuals may have several signs and symptoms. Much of which resulted directly from self-induced vomiting or other purification forms. Especially if the cycle of binge/purge is repeated more than once a week or day.

Physical signs and symptoms of this eating disorder are:

  • Weight changes constantly
  • Electrolyte imbalances can lead to heart arrhythmia, heart arrest, or death.
  • Blood vessels broken inside the eyes
  • Oral trauma, such as lacerations in the mouth or repetitive vomiting of the throat
  • Chronically dehydrated
  • Esophagus inflammation
  • After eating chronic gastric reflux or peptic ulcers
  • Infertility

Binge eating and purging signs and symptoms are:

  • Large amounts of food disappear
  • Eating in confidentiality
  • There is no control when eating
  • Switching between overeating and fasting periods
  • Bathrooms are frequently used after meals
  • Having a vomiting smell

Bulimia nervosa can also cause trouble between the patient and family and friends, especially given that the individual’s eating habits are abnormal and/or social activities to avoid binge/purge occurrences.

When your loved one spends an undue amount of time in the shower or in the gym, this may be one side of the way they are involved in purging bulimia-related habits.

All You Need To Know About Bulimia Nervosa

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Complications Of Bulimia Nervosa

  • Tooth enamel erosion due to repeated acidic gastric exposure
  • Cavities of the tooth
  • Dental sensitivity to warm or cold food
  • Swelling and soreness (from repeated vomiting) in the salivary glands
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Stomach and esophagus breakdown
  • Disruption of the normal intestinal release function
  • Dehydration
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Heart attack (in severe cases)
  • Higher risk for suicidal behavior

Bulimia Nervosa Treatment

Because the factors behind Bulimia often have a negative body image and bad self-esteem, therefore therapy needs to be integrated into the process of recovery. Bulimia nervosa  treatment typically involves:

  1. Stop the binge-purge cycle: This harmful cycle has to be broken in the first phase of bulimia nervosa treatment and normal eating behavior has to be restored.
  2. Improving negative thoughts: The next phase of the treatment of bulimia focuses on the recognition and modification of irrational beliefs about weight and shape of the body, and diet.
  3. Emotional problem-solving: In the final stage of bulimia treatment, the emotional problems causing the disorder can be cured. Therapy may include interpersonal relationships, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectic behavioral therapy, and related therapies.

Is It Possible To Prevent Bulimia Nervosa?

Since the real cause of bulimia development is unknown, how bulimia can be prevented is difficult to explain. However, we live in a society far from realistic about the “ideal” woman represented in the media. Parents and educators could assist young people in putting this “ideal” picture into perspective. Teenagers should be encouraged to understand that the right weight is not equivalent to extreme thinness.

It may take a long time to recover from bulimia. But don’t let your help stop you. If you’re willing to seek treatment, you, your family, and your doctor can discuss many options to create a plan that works for you. Set goals, stick to your plan, and you will be able to overcome this eating disorder.

Also Read: Know How To Stop Emotional Eating

 

 

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