Bulimia Nervosa
What is it?
People with bulimia are caught in a cycle of eating large amounts of food (called bingeing), and then trying to compensate for the food by purging. Purging can be any behaviour that is intended to compensate for the food, in some cases this is to avoid weight gain. Common behaviours include:
• Self-induced Vomiting
• Over-exercising
• Laxatives
• Diuretics
• Fasting
It is normal to overeat and eat past fullness occasionally- don't mistake this for bingeing. Bingeing is characterised by feeling out of control and unable to stop, accompanied by emotional distress.
Symptoms :
Symptoms can vary in individuals, however there are some common ones to look out for.
• Binge Eating
• Purging (see above)
• Stained teeth (this is due to the stomach acid damaging the enamel)
• Extreme fear of gaining weight
• Preoccupation with weight and body
• Body Dysmorphia
Bulimia Nervosa can be hard to spot, but looking out for the symptoms above, as well as changes in behaviour, is the first step to recovery. You may notice they disappear after meals or spend a lot of time in the bathroom, and have started to withdraw from friends and family.
Complications
Bulimia Nervosa is just as dangerous as any other eating disorder. The cycle of bingeing and purging can put immense strain on the body, particularly the heart and throat.
It can lead to electrolyte imbalances (electrolytes are a group of minerals that are essential for key functions of the body, particularly generating and regulating electrical charges throughout the body and regulation of fluid levels.) This disruption can seriously affect short-term and long-term heart health. Purging lowers levels of potassium in the blood; ultimately weakening the heart.