WHAT IS BULIMIA?

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating, followed by frantic efforts to avoid gaining weight. It affects women and men of all ages.

When you’re struggling with bulimia, life is a constant battle between the desire to lose weight or stay thin and the overwhelming compulsion to binge eat.

You don’t want to binge - you know you’ll feel guilty and ashamed afterwards - but time and again you give in. During an average binge, you may consume from 3,000 to 5,000 calories in one short hour.

After it ends, panic sets in and you turn to drastic measures to “undo” the binge, such as taking ex-lax, inducing vomiting, or going for a ten-mile run. And all the while, you feel increasingly out of control.

It’s important to note that bulimia doesn’t necessarily involve purging - physically eliminating the food from your body by throwing up or using laxatives, enemas, or diuretics. If you make up for your binges by fasting, exercising to excess, or going on crash diets, this also qualifies as bulimia.

THE EFFECTS OF BULIMIA

When you are living with bulimia, you are putting your body, and even your life, at risk. The most dangerous side effect of bulimia is dehydration due to purging. Vomiting, laxatives, and diuretics can cause electrolyte imbalances in the body, most commonly in the form of low potassium levels. Low potassium levels trigger a wide range of symptoms ranging from lethargy and cloudy thinking to irregular heartbeat and death. Chronically low levels of potassium can also result in kidney failure.

BULIMIA CAUSES and RISK FACTORS

There is no single cause of bulimia. While low self-esteem and concerns about weight and body image play major roles, there are many other contributing causes. In most cases, people suffering with bulimia, and eating disorders in general, have trouble managing emotions in a healthy way. Eating can be an emotional release so it’s not surprising that people binge and purge when feeling angry, depressed, stressed, or anxious.

One thing is certain. Bulimia is a complex emotional issue. Major causes and risk factors for bulimia include:

Poor body image: Our culture’s emphasis on thinness and beauty can lead to body dissatisfaction, particularly in young women bombarded with media images of an unrealistic physical ideal.

Low self-esteem: Women or men who think of themselves as useless, worthless, and unattractive are at risk for bulimia. Things that can contribute to low self-esteem include depression, perfectionism, childhood abuse, and a critical home environment.

History of trauma or abuse: Women with bulimia appear to have a higher incidence of sexual abuse. People with bulimia are also more likely than average to have parents with a substance abuse problem or psychological disorder.

Major life changes: Bulimia is often triggered by stressful changes or transitions, such as the physical changes of puberty, going away to college, or the breakup of a relationship. Binging and purging may be a negative way to cope with the stress.

Appearance oriented professions or activities: People who face tremendous image pressure are vulnerable to developing bulimia. Those at risk include ballet dancers, models, gymnasts, wrestlers, runners, and actors.

STATISTICS

The incidence of Bulimia Nervosa in the Australian population is 5 in 100. At least two studies have indicated that only about one tenth of the cases of bulimia in the community are detected.

True incidence estimated to be 1 in 5 amongst students and women (NEDC)

Based on international data, the lifetime prevalence in females is between .9% and 2.1%, and <.1% to 1.1% in males

The onset of Bulimia Nervosa usually occurs between 16 and 18 years of age

It is common for people suffering from bulimia to keep their disorder hidden for 8-10 years, at great cost to their physical and psychological health

92% of people with bulimia said that seeking help was entirely their own choice whereas only 19% of people with anorexia agreed

83% of bulimic patients vomit, 33% abuse laxatives, and 10% take diet pills

The mortality rate for bulimia nervosa is estimated to be up to 19%

People with bulimia may have had one or several suicide attempts and there is a high incidence of depression amongst bulimia sufferers

70% of individuals who undertake treatment for Bulimia Nervosa report a significant improvement in their symptoms

Bulimia can become a means of coping with stressful situations, such as an unhappy relationship or a traumatic past event

Impulsivity and substance abuse is correlated with Bulimia

STEPS TO RECOVERY

Admit you have a problem - Up until now, you’ve been invested in the idea that life will be better - that you’ll finally feel good - if you lose more weight and control what you eat. The first step in bulimia recovery is admitting that your relationship to food is distorted and out of control.

Talk to someone - It can be hard to talk about what you’re going through, especially if you’ve kept your bulimia a secret for a long time. You may be ashamed, ambivalent, or afraid of what others will think. But it’s important to understand that you’re not alone. Find a good listener - someone who will support you as you try to get better.

Stay away from people, places, and activities that trigger the temptation to binge or purge - You may need to avoid looking at fashion or fitness magazines, spend less time with friends who constantly diet and talk about losing weight, and stay away from weight loss web sites and “pro-mia” sites that promote bulimia. You may also need to be careful when it comes to meal planning and cooking magazines and shows.

Seek professional help - The advice and support of trained eating disorder professionals can help you regain your health, learn to eat normally again, and develop healthier attitudes about food and your body.

Find a good listener - someone who will support you as you try to get better.

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