Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia is a disease in which sufferers eat large amounts of food and force themselves to vomit afterwards. The fear of being fat overrides the "ick" factor. There is even evidence which shows that chemicals released when purging might make a person feel "high". Also known as binging and purging, this disease is much more difficult to diagnose than anorexia.

Physical symptoms are much less noticeable. Bulimics do not normally lose a significant amount of weight on a continual basis. In fact, they may appear to be underweight, normal weight or even overweight.

Not easily recognized, bulimia nervosa has proven to be fatal. Malnutrition (including extreme dehydration and electrolyte imbalances) takes a serious toll on every organ in your body.

Since this disorder is seen as shameful, the bulimic will try to hide it from friends and family. It may even go unnoticed over a lifetime. This illness causes isolation and stress for the sufferer.

Like anorexia, self-evaluation by bulimics is strongly influenced by body shape and weight. But, bulimia is often less about food. It has more to do with deep psychological issues and profound feelings of lack of control.

Anorexics feel a strong sense of control as they limit their food, ironically unaware that food actually controls them. Bulimics are much more likely to admit to having a problem.

Both rate their success on the appearance of their body. This often results in depression as they fail to achieve the image of their perfect body. The bulimic cannot reach the low weight they desire and the anorexic cannot see that they are underweight. They are both working towards unattainable goals and this failure defines their self-worth. 

Every bulimic is different in "how much" they purge. Some might binge and purge several times a day, some do not binge at all. Those that binge may lose control and eat very large portions of food (over 20,000 calories). While others will eat socially and may be bulimic in private. Some do not view their habits as problematic. 

Bulimics may also experience anxiety (one study found this in 75% of bulimic patients), depression and substance abuse. They are also more likely to attempt suicide and engage in impulsive behaviors than non-bulimics.

The rate which treatment is received is the most important factor affecting prognosis. Those who receive early treatment have the highest and most permanent recovery rates.

Adults have a significant impact on their children, and focusing on developing a healthy lifestyle is key to raising healthy children. Teach children to adopt a healthy diet as a way of life and incorporate fun activities into their daily life. Children should emphasize internal characteristics and qualities rather than focus on the outside as media and society tend to do. 

Provide a good example for your children and avoid self-criticism. This will reflect heavily on your children’s impressions of themselves. Your children pick up on much more than you know.

The book, Kessa, includes a character that is bulimic. Unless you've been there, it is very hard to understand the lack of control sufferers face. THis book will give you insight into the mindset.

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