Bulimia is one of the most common eating disorders in the United States and other developed countries. This disorder is characterized by the tendency toward binge eating, followed by various methods of purging to avoid weight gain. For short-term effects, bulimia causes a very unhealthy relationship with food. In the long term, bulimia can cause a number of physical and psychological issues that can significantly impact daily life and overall health. Bulimia is most common in women, especially younger women who feel that they are overweight or are afraid of becoming overweight.
Psychological issues
The most noted psychological issue with bulimia is a feeling of helplessness to stop eating, but it is far from the only one. Often, bulimia may be the result of poor self-image, low self-esteem or other such issues. Bulimia and other eating disorders are often associated with depression or depressive disorders. Over time, the physical effects of bulimia can result in an even worse self-image, perpetuating the unhealthy patterns.
Health problems associated with bulimia
It's not always true that someone with bulimia will be overweight -- in fact, most of the time it's not. Many bulimics are a healthy weight, though some may become anorexic, depending on the severity of the disorder. Over time, these eating patterns can reduce muscle tone and mass, and damage muscular structures such as the heart.
For people who purge by vomiting, damage to the esophageal lining can be one of the first serious complications. In addition, the acid and bacteria from regular vomiting can lead to pitting in the teeth and gum disease. Those who purge with laxatives may experience a decrease in bowel function, eventually leading to a dependence on such aids for elimination. Purging with excessive exercise can include muscle strain, dehydration, stress fractures and depletion of essential nutrients.
Over time, bulimia can slowly eat away at your overall health and can potentially lead to hospitalization or even death. A number of therapies are available to help people understand the underlying cause of their bulimia and break the binge-purge cycle.
The pro bulimia movement, including pro bulimia web sites and groups can help to make your child's eating disorder worse. It's important to catch the signs early. |
Teens can be very good at camoflauging bulimia signs. Here are some things parents should watch for. |
Check out our bulimia guide with articles on the symptoms and signs of bulimia, effective bulimia treatment, the dangers of the pro bulimia movement, the causes of bulimia and more. |
The dangers in bulimia are many and exceed dramatic weight loss. In fact, many people with bulimia are able to maintain a normal weight. |
If you see these signs, your child could be doing something far more dangerous than dieting. |
Don't expect bulimia to clear up on its own. Consider these bulimia treatment options to find one that may work. |
It can be difficult to admit that your child is suffering from something as serious as an eating disorder, and bulimia symptoms aren't always clear to interpretation. |
The effects of bulimia last much longer than the time it takes to cure a person from the eating disorder, which is generally characterized by episodes of binging and purging. |
The causes of bulimia in each individual are generally complicated and can take a while to be fully sorted out and addressed. |
The symptoms of bulimia are not always obvious. Know what to look for when it comes to your kids. |
