Bulimia Nervosa Eating Disorder

Statistics regarding bulimia

Bulimia nervosa eating disorder is characterized by alternating episodes of binging and purging. Binging is the secret consumption of food in larger than average quantities over a brief period of time. Purging usually involves self-induced vomiting, but it can also be characterized by the abuse of diet pills, diuretics, and laxatives. Additionally, the bulimic may also resort to enemas, excessive exercising, and fasting. The emotional elements that accompany the binging and purging include:

• being aware that their eating behavior is not normal
• depressed moods
• low self esteem
• self-depreciating thoughts

Bulimia nervosa eating disorder occurs more commonly than what anorexia does and the onset of it typically occurs in the latter teen years or young adulthood. However, it occurs in men and women outside this age range as well. Additionally, an individual can suffer with anorexia and bulimia at the same time. In fact, nearly 40% of those suffering with anorexia are also suffering with bulimia.

Symptoms and warning signs

There are a number of symptoms and warning signs that you should be aware of if you feel that you may have bulimia nervosa eating disorder or that a loved one does.

Symptoms:

• accumulation of fluid accompanied by swollen parotid glands
• dental problems
• depression
• dissatisfaction with one’s body shape
• distinct and sometimes uncontrollable episodes of binging and purging in secrecy accompanied by unhealthy dieting or fasting and the abuse of diet pills, diuretics, and laxatives
• emotional impulsiveness and instability
• fear of gaining weight
• frequent fluctuation in body weight
• inability to stop the binging and purging
• problems with the colon, esophagus, stomach, and throat

Warning signs:

• attempting to control weight by dieting and inducing vomiting as well as abusing diuretics and laxatives
• binging and purging done in secrecy
• binging followed by depression and self-depreciating thoughts
• eating behavior may alternate between binging and fasting
• exhibiting constant concern over
• high calorie content of the food that is eaten during the binging periods

Ironically, the majority of the individuals suffering with bulimia nervosa eating disorder is not overweight but is within a normal weight range. In fact, some of them may even be slightly underweight.

For more information about bulimia nervosa eating disorder and the treatment programs offered by Harmony Grove, please contact us at the toll-free phone number above.