Bulimia and its Effects

Bulimia, diagnosed as a separate eating disorder in the 1980s, is primarily a female disease. As such, it affects about nine million females and, also has found its way into the minds and lifestyles of approximately one million males.

Many times, we must have come across the word binge eating this in other word is called Bulimia. People with bulimia have an eating disorder that causes them to binge on food and then, usually, throw up the food during binge-and-purge cycles. Some people may exercise excessively or abuse diuretics or laxatives.

Signs of Bulimia

• Distorted body image (thinking they are fat when they are not, needing or wanting to be extremely thin)
• Excessive eating or “binge” eating
• Purging (vomiting or using laxatives)
• Frequent use of the bathroom
• Vomiting often and sometimes vomiting blood
• Fasting or strict, regimented diets
• Excessive exercise (often vigorous and done secretively or while a child is supposed to be asleep)
• Using laxatives or diuretics
• Depression and mood swings
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Constipation and bloating or indigestion
• Dental problems, gum infection and bloodshot eyes (from vomiting)
• Sore throat and swollen glands, often accompanied by a puffy face
• Weight loss and exhaustion
• Uncontrolled vomiting following a meal (this is the body’s trained reaction to continuous vomiting)

One of the most marked effects of bulimia is on the teeth and mouth. Frequent vomiting brings up stomach acid into the mouth, eroding teeth’s enamel. Cavities and gum infections are common in people with bulimia. The stomach acid also irritates the esophagus, producing heartburn, and the salivary glands, making them swell. Bulimia harms the entire body. People with bulimia also tend to have constipation from laxative abuse and improper nutrition. Bulimics typically eat high calorie, low nutritional value foods like breads or ice cream. As a result, they may be undernourished and have dry skin, hair, and nails.

Other long-term effects of bulimia include circulatory disorders such as high blood pressure, headaches, a feeling of fatigue and even seizures. The psychological effects of bulimia can last for a very long time as well. Depression and anxiety are common in people with bulimia and often take years of counseling to combat. Some people live with bulimia their entire lives; it is a never-ending battle to stay healthy. Other psychological problems may result from bulimia, including self-destructive behavior.

There is variety of bulimia treatment options, depending on the severity of the bulimia as well as personal preference. Many people with bulimia choose to use several forms of treatment to combat the emotional, physical and psychological parts of the disease. Telling a primary care physician or finding a therapist is often the first step in receiving treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered among the best and quickest options for treatment. It helps patients to change thought patterns and behaviors that may be irrational. The patient tries to replace the irrational thoughts and behaviors with positive thoughts and behaviors. CBT is effective in about one third to half of patients, which is high for one type of treatment. Other treatment options can be Family counseling, proper educational approach, which works best with women with mild symptoms of bulimia.

Note : Princess Diana was affected by Bulimia……