Bulimia
For most Americans, having a slice of pizza along with a can of soda is known as typical eating behavior. However for someone with an eating disorder, something as simple as having a bite of pizza can prove to be extremely challenging. Unfortunately, millions of people from all over the world suffer from eating disorders, especially during their adolescent years. Something that may start out as “just a diet” can quickly turn into a deadly eating habit that claims the lives of innocent victims. One of the most common types of eating disorders that affect many people is bulimia nervosa.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia is a type of eating disorder that is mainly characterized by bouts of binge eating and purging. A typical bulimic usually eats an excessive amount of food and then attempts to throw it up for the sole purpose of avoiding any weight gain. In addition to weakening the body, bulimia also works to poison one’s mind. Individuals who are plagued with bulimia usually have very low self-esteem and are extremely insecure about their self-image, which often causes them to constantly feel unattractive and unwanted.
It’s also very important to understand that most eating disorders, including bulimia are not just about an obsession with food and weight loss, but rather an individual’s need to have control over something in their life when they feel as though they have none at all. This is why it’s quite common for people who have gone through traumatic events, such as rape or domestic violence or stressful situations, such as switching jobs or moving to a new place to be more apt to developing eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa.
Signs and Side Effects of Bulimia
In many cases, it’s quite difficult to tell whether an individual is in fact bulimic because they are “pros” when it comes to hiding their condition. However, if you are suspicious that someone you know may be suffering from bulemia, but you’re simply not sure and don’t wish to jump to any conclusions, there are several signs to watch out for than can actually help you draw the right conclusions. For example, most bulimics exhibit the following physical and psychological symptoms:
- Fatigue – bulimia sufferers tends feel constantly tired as they are weakened from excessive vomiting
- Headaches
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after eating a meal
- Cycles of significant weight loss and weight gain
- Anxiety
- Depression
There are also some long-term bulimia side effects that you should be aware of. For instance, bulimia nervosa can frequently lead to serious health conditions over time including
- Stomach ulcers
- Dehydration
- Heart disease including irregular heartbeat
- Chemical imbalances
- Teeth deterioration
- Tearing of the esophagus
Treatment Options
When it comes down to it, there is truly nothing sadder than watching someone you love or care about being completely consumed by a deadly disease. Fortunately, there are treatment options available for eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa. Although it varies for every bulimic, psychological treatment, medications and support groups are among the most common forms of treatment options.
You should also know that the treatment and healing process for bulimia nervosa doesn’t just happen “over night,” it takes a great deal of time and a lot of energy as well guidance and assistance from professionals and loved ones alike. However with proper treatment and adequate support, it is definitely possible to overcome this eating disorder successfully.