Facts & Dangers
about Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia
Nervosa is an emotional disorder which consists of
episodes of binge-eating
followed by some forms
of purging
and/or severe dietary restraint. A "binge" is
the secretive consumption of large amounts
of food in a short period
of time. Most bulimics follow the binge by
self-induced vomiting, but "purging" may
take the form of laxative or diuretic abuse,
fasting, diet pills,
or strenuous
exercising.
This binge-purge
cycle is normally accompanied by self-deprecating
thoughts, depressed mood, and an awareness
that the eating behavior
is abnormal and out of control.
Bulimia nervosa is more
common than anorexia nervosa. Bulimia nervosa
tends to develop in
late adolescence and early adulthood,
but it can occur in males and females of any age.
A person
can be anorexic and bulimic at the same time. At least
40% of people with anorexia nervosa suffer simultaneously
from bulimia.
Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
-
Fear of weight gain
-
Distinct
and often uncontrollable, secretive episodes of binge
eating followed by attempts
to purge the food through self-induced
vomiting, unhealthy dieting and/or use
of laxatives, diuretics or diet aids
-
Depression and recurrent
mood swings
-
Prolonged exercise
for the purpose of weight control
-
Inability
to discontinue binge-purge cycle
-
Problems with the
throat, esophagus, stomach, and colon
-
Accumulation
of fluid with swelling of the parotid glands
-
Dental
problems
-
Emotional instability and
impulsiveness
-
Dissatisfaction
with body
shape and preoccupation
with
becoming
thin
-
Frequent
weight
fluctuation
Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
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information provided on this site is for educational purposes
only and is not intended to be medical advice or to be used for
diagnosis or treatment. None of the information should be used
as a substitute for evaluation and treatment by a qualified medical
or mental health professional. If you have, or suspect you have
a health problem, you should immediately contact a physician
or other health care professional in your area.
