Bulimia nervosa
The term bulimia nervosa means literally 'the nervous hunger of an ox'. The hunger, however, is really an emotional need that cannot be satisfied by food alone.
A person with bulimia nervosa may binge-eat a large quantity of food (sometimes two, three or even four times a normal amount of food in one go, and often foods which are high in calories, carbohydrates and fat) in order to fill the emotional or hunger gap. As they start to feel full, feelings of guilt and shame come into her/his mind, and there is an urge to immediately get rid of the food by vomiting or taking laxatives (or both), by starving or reducing food intake, or by working off the calories with exercise in an attempt not to gain weight.
This cycle can keep inner pain and unhappiness at bay - but only for a brief time.
The frequency of these bulimic cycles will vary from person to person. A person may suffer from an episode every few months or, if they are more severely ill, they may binge and purge several times a day. Some people may vomit automatically after they have eaten any food. Others will eat socially but may be bulimic in private. Many people do not regard their illness as a problem, whilst others despise and fear the vicious and uncontrollable cycle they are trapped in.
Bulimia is more difficult for others to notice as the person tends not to lose weight so dramatically, or their weight will fluctuate. Even people close to him/her at home or work may not recognise the illness, so it can persist for many years undetected. People with bulimia may have demanding jobs that require them to be out-going and self-assured even when they feel inadequate inside. As with anorexia, people who develop bulimia become reliant on the control of food and eating as a way of coping with emotional difficulties in their life. They may also find that they become obsessed with maintaining their weight.
A person is most likely to develop bulimia in their late teens to early 20s. This sometimes occurs because of a belief that bulimia will help them to diet successfully where other attempts to lose weight have failed. It is also often associated with low self-esteem or a general lack of self-confidence. The person may have previously had anorexia.
Not everyone will not have the same symptoms. Some people will have a mix of symptoms and a person does not need to have all these symptoms to have an eating disorder.
The effects of bulimia on the body
- frequent weight changes
- sore throat, tooth decay and bad breath caused by excessive vomiting
- swollen salivary glands making the face rounder
- poor skin condition and possible hair loss
- irregular 'periods' or loss of interest in sex
- lethargy and tiredness
- increased risk of heart problems and problems with other internal organs.
Psychological signs of bulimia
- uncontrollable urges to eat vast amounts of food
- an obsession with food, or feeling 'out of control' around food
- distorted perception of body weight and shape
- emotional behaviour and mood swings
- anxiety and depression; low self-esteem, shame and guilt
- isolation - feeling helpless and lonely.
Bevavioural signs of bulimia
- bingeing and vomiting
- disappearing to the toilet after meals in order to vomit food eaten
- excessive use of laxatives, diuretics or enemas
- periods of fasting
- excessive exercise
- secrecy and reluctance to socialise
- shoplifting for food; abnormal amounts of money spent on food
- food disappearing unexpectedly or being secretly hoarded.
The long-term effects of bulimia
In a similar way to anorexia, bulimia can take over the life of the person with the disorder, making them feel trapped and desperate. Bingeing, purging and dramatic loss of fluids can cause physical problems which can usually be corrected once the body is nourished in an even and moderate way.
Bulimia can, in extreme cases, be fatal due to heart failure. An imbalance or dangerously low levels of the essential minerals in the body can significantly, even fatally affect the working of vital internal organs. Other dangers of bulimia include rupture of the stomach, choking, and erosion of tooth enamel, painful swallowing and drying up of salivary glands. Laxative abuse can lead to serious bowel problems.
Recovery
See treatment for more information on recovering from bulimia nervosa.
Other eating disorders
More information
Based on information supplied by Eating Disorders Association.
Website: www.edauk.com. Helpline service: 0845 634 14.
