Bulimia Nervosa
Commonly referred to as Bulimia. Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa are serious, it can be a life-threatening eating disorder. Bulimia is recognized by the cyclical behavior of binge eating and followed by self-induced vomiting, to rid the body of the nutrients from binge eating. Purging, excessive dieting, and excessive exercising are symptoms of Bulimia.
Bulimia is Fairly Common and Dangerous
Researchers believe that over two million young women and girls have bulimia in the United States. Since most cases go unreported until damage has already occurred, the number of cases is hard to estimate. Bingeing and then purging can cause severe physical damage and even death. You may be less concerned since the risk of death is not recorded as high as anorexia. The most dangerous risks are not very common such as stomach rupture from binge eating, and heart failure from loss of potassium from purging. A common problem of bulimia is damaging tooth enamel from vomiting. Stomach acid can also inflame the esophagus and salivary glands.
You may be considering Calorie Restriction or Interment Fasting but are worried about symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa. You should also read this article:
Why Calorie Restriction And Longevity May Not Mix For You
Not Just Girls
Even though most bulimics are girls in their teens or early 20s. Boys also account for 5-10% of reported cases. Since purging for bulimic is normally done secretly it may be difficult to uncover for parents and loved ones. Many bulimics feel guilt or shame from their condition, though they may appear healthy and successful, while inside they have feelings of helplessness and low self-esteem.
How to Help Someone with Bulimia
You need to realize that your loved one has a disorder, but they are not the disorder. If you have concerns that your child or friend is bulimic and they are hiding from you, let them know you are concerned and that you care about them. Here is a short video that can give you ideas on how to approach the subject.
Cause Unknown
You may be surprised that bulimia is likely caused by a combination of genetics and environment. It is common for bulimia to run in families, leading researchers to think it is genetic. No one has determined any genetic markers that lead to this disorder. You may notice that obsessive compulsory disorder and depression may also be present with bulimia. Girls who participate in modeling, dancing, or gymnastics appear to be more susceptible to bulimia. Your family influence plays a major role in the likelihood of your child developing bulimia. Many bulimics have mothers who are extremely concerned about their weight. Also, Many bulimics have fathers who criticize their weight.
Preventions vs Interventions
Prevention is always better than interventions when it comes to eating disorders. If you are a parent, make sure you continually tell your children how much you love them, and how beautiful they are. I have three daughters and I tried to tell them each at least once a day or more, that “I Love You”. While I also try to embrace them each in a hug that lasts for 20 seconds or more. Additionally, I make an effort to tell my daughters how beautiful they are as often as I can while appropriate, I also try not to tie my love for them to them looking beautiful. I believe and you can infer from the research that, children who are loved and feel beautiful at home are not very likely to develop an eating disorder.
The Right Time to Talk About Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
Even if you do all you can to prevent eating disorders from disrupting your child’s life you can’t control everything. Once your child has developed an eating disorder, you must approach the subject before it is too late. Not broaching the subject will make it fester and can tear down relationships. Approach the conversation with love and concern and you will achieve the best results. This girl below has gone through a destructive phase and appears to have come out the other side better for it, as a parent we want to protect our children from these unnecessary life phases.
At the start of this year, Anorexia and Bulimia ruined my life, destroyed the people I loved and almost killed me. So grateful to still be here fighting this, surrounded by endless support. Don’t suffer alone, find help and let others help you ? #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/8WihQIFOOZ
— SkinImIn butterfly baby (@ughleiii) October 10, 2018
Treatment and the Challenges
Like most eating disorders bulimia is challenging to treat. You may find the most challenging part of treatment is that most bulimics don’t want to be treated. Once someone can openly talk about their disorder, they are much more likely to seek treatment. After treatment has begun you need to continue to be supportive.
Here are Some Good Insights Into Treating Bulimia and Other Eating Disorders
Courage and Hope
You should be encouraged that someone who is strong enough to self-induce vomiting frequently is strong enough to overcome. Certainly, it takes a lot of determination to self-induce vomiting and it is physically taxing. Consequently, if they put the same determination into overcoming, there will be hope.
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