In this age, which believes that there is a short cut to everything, the greatest lesson to be learned is that the most difficult way is, in the long run, the easiest.
What is Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of bingeing and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting designed to undo or compensate for the effects of binge eating. Bulimia is more than just a problem with food. A binge can be set off by dieting or stress. Painful emotions, like anger or sadness, also can bring on binging. Purging is how people with bulimia try to gain control and to ease stress and anxiety.
Bulimia Nervosa Characteristics
- Regular intake of large amounts of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating behavior.
- Regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive or compulsive exercise.
- Extreme concern with body weight and shape.
Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
- Calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self-induced vomiting.
- Creation of complex lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge-and-purge sessions.
- Disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or the existence of wrappers and containers indicating the consumption of large amounts of food.
- Discoloration or staining of the teeth.
- Excessive and rigid exercise regime, even in bad weather or when hurt or tired.
- Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics.
- In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns.
- Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area.
- Withdrawal from usual friends and activities.
Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa can be extremely harmful to the body. The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles can impact the entire digestive system and purge behaviors can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions.
- The acid in vomit can wear down the outer layer of the teeth, increasing sensitivity.
- The acid in vomit can inflame, damage, and possibly rupture the esophagus.
- Damage to the stomach can also occur from frequent vomiting.
- Irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and death can occur from chemical imbalances and the loss of important minerals such as potassium.
- Peptic ulcers, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas, which is a large gland that aids digestion), and long-term constipation.
