Eating Disorders: Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by binge eating, the consumption of abnormally large quantities of food in a discrete period of time. The binge is followed by some form of purging behavior designed to prevent weight gain.



Common purging behaviors include:

• Self-induced vomiting
  
• Emetic abuse
  
• Laxative abuse
  
• Diuretic abuse
  
• Fasting
  
• Excessive exercise
  

Some Important Facts About Bulimia Nervosa

• There are two types of bulimia nervosa; purging and nonpurging.
  
• It occurs in 0.5 percent to 2.0 percent of adolescents and young adult women.
  
• It appears to be relatively uncommon in men.
  
• It typically develops in early to mid-adolescents.
  
• It is usually preceded by dieting behavior.
  
• Bulimics are usually of average or above average weight.
  
• Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by size and weight.
  
• A complex lifestyle develops to accommodate eating disorder behaviors.
  
• There are ongoing feelings of isolation, self-deprecating thoughts, depression, and low self-esteem.
  
  
• There is full recognition of the behavior as abnormal.
  

Bulimia Nervosa -- Warning Signs



Bulimia is an emotional "weight control" disorder characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by some form of purging or restriction. Binges are the secretive, periods of rapid consumption of high-caloric foods over a discrete period of time. Most bulimics follow bingeing with self-induced vomiting. However, the purging may take the form of laxative, emetic or diuretic abuse, excessive exercise or fasting. The binge-purge cycle is normally accompanied by self-deprecating thoughts, depression, and an awareness that the eating disorder is abnormal and out of control. Because most bulimics are within a normal weight range, the illness may go undetected by others for years.



Bulimia should be considered when a normal-weight person frequently:

• Makes excuses to go to the bathroom after meals.
  
• Shows mood swings.
  
• Buys large amounts of food which suddenly disappears.
  
• Has unusual swelling around the jaw.
  
• Eats large amounts of food on the spur of the moment.
  
• Laxative or diuretic wrappers frequently found in trash can.
  
  
• If there is unexplained disappearance of food in the home or residence hall setting.

Bulimia Nervosa - Medical Consequences



Bulimia nervosa is the consumption of excessive amounts of food followed by one or more methods of purging. Common medical complications that result from this bingeing/purging cycle are listed below.

• Vomiting, laxatives and diuretics flush sodium and potassium from the body resulting in an electrolyte imbalance. Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) can result, which can ultimately lead to heart failure and death.
  
• The stomach acids in vomit can erode tooth enamel, resulting in damage such as cavities and discoloration.
  
• Self-induced vomiting can result in irritation and tears in the lining of the throat, esophagus and stomach.
  
• Laxative abuse can create a dependence and result in an inability to have normal bowel movements.
  
• Abuse of emetics to induce vomiting can result in toxicity, heart failure and death.