California Bulimia Treatment Program

What we know about Bulimia Nervosa

Aside from the fact that Bulimia Nervosa, or Bulimia as it is more commonly called, is one of three primary eating disorders, there are other aspects of the disorder that people need to be aware of.  For instance, there is no known cause for the disorder but there are 5 key factors that play a significant role in the disorder including:

• biology
• culture
• family history
• life-changing or traumatic events
• personality traits

We also know that there are two distinct sub-types of this eating disorder that California Bulimia treatment program centers typically address, specifically non-purging or purging types of cases and they are differentiated as follows:

• non-purging – approximately 6% to 8% of the cases documented are this sub-type.  Non-purging Bulimics exercise or fast excessively after binging to offset the intake of calories.  However, purging Bulimics will also do this but only as a secondary measure for controlling their weight.

• purging – as the name implies, this type of Bulimic typically triggers their gag reflex to self-induce vomiting in order to rapidly expel food from their bodies.  Additionally, they will consume what are called emetics such as ipecac or laxatives to rapidly move the food through their bodies.

Although Bulimia affects individuals from all walks of life, roughly 85% to 90% of all bulimics are female.  The myth is that it only affects those white females that are upper class, young women.

What are the signs to look for?

It is not uncommon for someone suffering with Bulimia to use extreme measures so that they lose weight and stay thin.  They may also induce themselves to vomit after binging, and there may also be emotional or mental problems underlying the disorder.  Extreme measures may include taking diet pills or laxatives to kill the appetite or pass food through the body rapidly, throwing up every time they are finished eating, or exercising to excess.

If the individual is throwing up excessively in order to keep the weight off, signs to look for include calluses or scrapes on the fingers and knuckles from inducing vomiting, clear looking teeth, eyes filled with broken blood vessels, and a swollen jaw or cheeks.  Finally, emotional or mental conditions oftentimes include anxiety, depression, and alcohol or drug abuse issues.

We can help you or a loved one

Harmony Grove can provide you with a California Bulimia treatment program that targets your specific needs so that you can enjoy a successful recovery and return home without ever relapsing back into that eating disorder.