Bulimia

Introduction

The eating disorder known as bulimia (boo-LEE-me-uh) nervosa is a severe and sometimes fatal condition. Bulimia sufferers binge eat. Such behaviour indicates that people no longer believe they have control over their eating habits. They consume much food in a single sitting. They frequently feel extremely terrible and ashamed, and this happens in private. They then attempt unhealthy means of getting rid of the meal and excess calories, such as throwing up or abusing laxatives. We refer to the process as cleansing.

Bulimia is not just about food; it’s also about how you view yourself. It can be risky and challenging to overcome. It is crucial to keep in mind that eating disorders are not something you choose to have. Bulimia is a complicated disorder that alters your brain’s functioning and decision-making. Effective treatment, however, can improve your eating habits, reverse major issues, and make you feel better about yourself.

Ways To Restrict Calories

People who suffer from bulimia restrict calories in two ways:

Purging kind. The individual vomits on their own or abuses laxatives, diuretics, enemas, or other intestinal-clearing medications.
Non-purging kind. Instead of purging, the individual engages in other behaviours, like fasting or intensive exercise.

Causes

It’s critical to keep in mind that eating disorders are treatable illnesses that are not a matter of personal preference. Scientists have discovered potential causes for the disease. Bulimia sufferers frequently have poor self-esteem and are meticulous. Their underlying emotional issues typically include depression and a skewed perception of their bodies.

The family environment may play a role as well. Bulimia risk factors include family strife, overbearing parents, and parents who discourage emotional expression. Bulimia sufferers may believe that society, friends, and family are pressuring them to be slim, or they may associate ideal beauty with a trim figure.
Controlling food intake may be a coping strategy for bulimics to deal with their unpleasant emotions. Researchers’ recent discoveries imply that bulimia may be exacerbated by anomalies in the brain. The brain’s ability to absorb thoughts and emotions may be impacted by either an excess or a shortage of specific substances.
According to research, some people may be genetically predisposed to eating disorders, which means that they may inherit a chance of getting the problem in specific situations. Although there is no known family history of bulimia, research will continue to look for genetic variables.

Bulimia is more common among females than males. It occurs most frequently in teenage girls. Even though people with bulimia know that their behaviour is inappropriate, they may not be able to break this harmful cycle without treatment. Because, although bulimia may be a chronic illness, it can help people manage their symptoms and preserve their health. Bulimia can result in fatalities and other health issues if left untreated.

Symptoms

Identifying bulimia nervosa might be challenging. Individuals who suffer from the illness frequently purge and binge in secret. However, laxative packages and empty meal wrappers may be indicators of bulimia. Additional emotional and behavioural signs of bulimia nervosa include:

People with bulimia binge eat frequently. This scenario can happen a few times a week or many times a day. People tend to consume a vast quantity of food in a brief period. Some people might consume everything in their cabinets or refrigerator. They might purchase and conceal a lot of food. Bulimia sufferers experience a loss of control when they overindulge in food. It’s possible to eat so quickly that you don’t even taste it. In addition to being heavy in fats and carbohydrates, meals and junk food may have thousands of calories.
People may have feelings of disgust or humiliation after binge-eating. They can suffer from stomachaches or be drowsy.
To prevent gaining weight, bulimics may misuse enemas, laxatives, diuretics, or induce vomiting.
They may fast or exercise excessively. Their bodily weight might stay normal even if they think they are overweight. Depending on their bodily weight, some people may be underweight or obese.
Purging and bingeing can have major negative effects on one’s health. Frequent vomiting can irritate and inflame the throat due to stomach acid. Excess stomach acid can cause gum disease and tooth decay by irritating the gums and removing tooth enamel. Repeated vomiting can result in gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), a painful digestive tract condition, or tearing of the esophagus.
A puffy or chipmunk-like face can be caused by swelling of the glands in the neck and beneath the jaw.
Laxative abuse can lead to intestinal problems. It may cause ulcers, constipation, and haemorrhoids.
Diuretic abuse can cause kidney problems. Insufficient or lost fluids can cause dehydration. Bingeing and purging can also result in serious issues like heart attacks, low blood pressure, electrolyte imbalances, and failure of the kidneys, liver, or pancreas.

Diagnosis

A physical examination is what your healthcare practitioner will use to diagnose bulimia nervosa. If you fit any of the following criteria, your doctor will diagnose you with bulimia nervosa:

Do you frequently engage in binge eating?
During an episode, do you feel like you have no control over what you eat?
Do you participate in improper purging practices?
Have you gone through three months of binge eating at least once a week?
Does your self-image become significantly impacted by your body’s weight or shape?

If someone fits the diagnostic criteria for bulimia, a psychiatrist can make that determination. Coexisting disorders, such as depression, can be identified by a psychiatrist, which is crucial information for treatment planning. A thorough medical checkup could be required to assess a person’s general health and rule out other conditions.

Complications

Bulimia may pose a threat. In the long run, it could cause major health issues.

The oesophagus contains stomach acid. This could cause this area to become permanently damaged
Tears in the throat
Cavity in the teeth
An increase in throat size
Using enemas or laxatives excessively and vomiting might result in:
Low potassium levels in the blood can cause serious issues with cardiac rhythm.
Intestinal pain or constipation
The haemorrhoids
Impairment of the pancreas

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your likelihood of developing bulimia:

Genes and family history: The likelihood of developing an eating disorder can be raised by a family history of eating and weight-control problems. Individuals may be at a higher risk of developing an eating disorder if they have first-degree relatives with an eating disorder diagnosis, such as parents, siblings, or kids. The situation raises the possibility of a genetic connection.
Bulimia patients may experience low self-esteem, especially if they face bullying due to their appearance or weight. Disturbing incidents and elements that lead to emotional discomfort, like childhood maltreatment, may be involved in certain situations.
Dieting: Many bulimics aggressively restrict their caloric intake in between episodes of binge eating. They might binge eat again and then purge as a result of this. Stress, intense emotions, boredom, and a skewed or negative body image are among additional factors that can lead to binge eating.

Treatment

Bulimia treatment involves attending to the patient’s mental and physical well-being. A primary objective is to achieve adequate hydration and nourishment while breaking the cycle of purging and bingeing.

The relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviour is examined in therapy. The therapist will examine the thought patterns that result in self-destructive behaviours and help alter them. Those with bulimia may benefit from cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
It is necessary to treat related dental and medical issues.
Psychotherapy helps address the emotional, mental, and behavioural problems associated with bulimia. Group therapy, family counselling, and individual therapy are a few examples.
Medications, such as antidepressants, can be helpful.
Under certain circumstances, electrolyte problems may require hospitaliation.

Recovery from bulimia is different for everyone. Many people with bulimia still have symptoms after receiving therapy because it’s a chronic illness. The highest results are typically obtained by those who engage in treatment and have fewer health issues.