What Is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa, often referred to as bulimia, is an eating disorder associated with eating large amounts of food (binge eating) and then getting rid of it (purging). Individuals with the condition often try to eliminate calories to prevent gaining weight. Hence, purging is present as one of the main symptoms of bulimia.
This eating disorder can be potentially life-threatening. Bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders are a range of mental health conditions. Aside from proper treatment plans, individuals with bulimia require immense support, compassion, empathy and understanding.
What Causes Bulimia?
Various causes can lead to bulimia nervosa. Some of the more common causes of this eating disorder include:
- Challenges with low self-esteem
- Genetic risk factors
- Environmental stressors (abuse or trauma)
- Neurochemical imbalances
- Anxiety or depression
It’s important to note that individuals with bulimia nervosa might not experience all the causes listed above.
Additionally, popular culture and modern media have created unrealistic body image expectations. Therefore, individuals have progressively become focused on attaining this body image without considering their health and well-being.
Symptoms of Bulimia
In many cases, bulimia nervosa is hard to spot due to individuals carrying out binge eating and purging behaviours in private. However, there are some common symptoms of bulimia that can be easily noticed. These include:
- Withdrawing from social events, especially when there’s food involved
- Excessive exercise after meals
- Obsessive thoughts over body shape and weight loss
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
- Episodes of binge eating
- Sings of lack of control during meals
- Usage of weight loss supplements or laxatives
- Self-induced vomiting after meals
- Avoiding specific foods or fasting
- Feelings of guilt or shame concerning food and eating
Additionally, some of the behaviours associated with bulimia nervosa can cause physical symptoms, including:
- Swollen salivary glands
- Tooth decay or gum disease
- Oesophagal damage or irritation
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Challenges with acid reflux
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Irregular menstrual periods
How Is Bulimia Diagnosed?
To be diagnosed with bulimia nervosa, an individual must have experienced the behaviours and feelings associated with the eating disorder. This includes recurring episodes of binge eating and behaviours taken to prevent weight gain (self-induced vomiting, purging, fasting, excessive exercise).
To diagnose bulimia nervosa, a medical professional must conduct a physical exam and blood tests to rule out other underlying medical conditions that cause similar symptoms. A psychological evaluation will also be conducted, which will assess the person’s eating behaviours and beliefs about their body shape and weight.
Overall, bulimia is a serious health concern and needs to be diagnosed by a healthcare professional. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent other health concerns linked to the eating disorder.
Bulimia in Girls
The latest research shows that the female-to-male ratio of bulimia nervosa is 10:1. The reason why girls are more likely to have bulimia nervosa than boys are influenced by many factors.
Social media and social pressures to attain unrealistic beauty standards and body image are more frequently imposed on girls than on boys.
These unrealistic beauty standards often portray thinness as the ultimate goal. Hence, girls tend to develop a negative image of their body, weight, and shape, which affects their self-esteem. These pressures lead girls to engage in behaviours such as dieting or other unhealthy weight control behaviours, which ultimately can lead to bulimia.
It’s important to note that although girls are more likely to experience bulimia nervosa, eating disorders can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, or social background. Many social pressures are also being imposed on boys, and the ultimate goal would be to eliminate these unrealistic expectations that affect an individual’s self-esteem.
How Is Bulimia Treated?
Bulimia nervosa, like other eating disorders, requires a comprehensive treatment approach. Depending on the symptoms and the severity of the eating disorder, there are multiple treatment options.
Psychotherapy
Congitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, and family-based therapy can all benefit people with bulimia. Therapy can help underline the triggers and patterns that lead to unhealthy eating habits. Additionally, therapy can help individuals overcome self-esteem challenges and negative emotions that often contribute to bulimia nervosa.
Medications
In some cases, medical professionals might prescribe antidepressants to help individuals overcome feelings of anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive behaviours that may lead to bulimia nervosa.
Home Care
In some cases, people with bulimia might benefit from additional support and care to overcome the condition. Professional caregivers can provide the monitoring, meal planning, accountability, and emotional support that individuals with eating disorders require.
However, home care shouldn’t be a substitute for psychotherapy and serves as additional support to regular treatment.
Nutritional Therapy
Individuals living with bulimia nervosa or similar eating disorders can benefit from supportive environments. Hence, nutritional therapy can provide people with bulimia an understanding of the relationship between them and their eating patterns. It also ensures people with bulimia are getting adequate nutrition.
Complications From Bulimia
People with bulimia nervosa and other eating disorders might be more prone to experiencing other health concerns.
- Binge eating large amounts of food and purging can cause issues to the digestive system (inflammation, oesophagus rupture, intestines rupture)
- Self-induced vomiting can cause electrolyte imbalances over time, which can, later on, result in seizures, kidney damage, and cardiovascular health concerns
The longer bulimia nervosa goes untreated, the more severe the physical and psychological health concerns can become. Early intervention and properly tailored treatment are essential for preventing and managing these concerns and improving overall health and well-being.
Can Bulimia Cause Cancer?
Amongst the more severe health complications is the association between bulimia and oesophagus cancer. Some research shows that self-induced vomiting lead to cancerous cells in the throat.
Oesophagus cancer is life-threatening, especially if it’s not caught in its early stages.
Long-Term Effects of Bulimia
All eating disorders can cause long-term effects due to poor nutrition intake and as a result of unhealthy eating behaviours.
Some of the potential long-term effects of bulimia include:
- Damaged salivary glands
- Tooth loss, sensitivity or decay
- Gum disease
- Brittle bones, osteoporosis or osteopenia
- Cardiovascular challenges
- Gastrointestinal challenges
- Kidney damage
- Fertility challenges
- Higher risk of diabetes
While people with bulimia have a higher risk of some long-term effects, it’s important to remember that recovery is possible, and it’s never too late to seek help. With the right support, compassion, and humanised care – the path towards recovery can be less difficult.
Living With Bulimia and Support
One aspect of this eating disorder that can be often overlooked is the shame and guilt that individuals often experience. It’s crucial to take this into consideration, as it can lead to treatment rejection or delay in recovery.
Therefore, having a solid support system can benefit individuals by making them feel less alone and more motivated to overcome the eating disorder.
At Unique Community Services, we understand the importance of creating a comfortable and supportive environment for individuals experiencing bulimia.
How Unique Community Services Supports People Struggling With Bulimia
We provide 24-hour support seven days a week, 365 days a year. What’s more, we deliver tailored made plans based on every individual’s needs and requirements.
At Unique Community Services, we believe individuals who experience eating disorders deserve the utmost compassion, empathy, and support during their journey towards recovery. Hence, our dedicated team of clinicians can assist individuals in all aspects of their everyday lives.
At Unique Community Services, we embrace diversity and equality, and our goal is to promote freedom of choice and equal opportunities for everyone.
If you or your loved one need support during your journey, contact our offices in Bristol and Manchester for further information.
