Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by bingeing and purging.
Bingeing means rapidly eating or overeating or eating high calorie foods. It can be described as eating too much in a short span of time, often in secret. After this sort of eating the person develops a feeling of shame due to overeating. This is called binge-eating or bingeing.
Purging is to find different ways to get rid of the excess calories that is taken in during bingeing. It is done either by fasting for long periods, taking laxatives, vomiting, excess exercise etc.
Generally women are of higher risk of bulimia. People having a family history of substance abuse and mood disorders may also develop bulimia. Genetic factors can also predispose bulimia.
Here are few symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa:
- Having irresistable urge to eat carbohydrate-rich foods
- Dislike to eat when all others are eating.
- Looking for a chance to eat in private or in secret.
- Going to bathrooms while eating.
- Always seen doing hard exercises for long times and during unusual timings.
- Irregular menstrual periods or no menstrual periods in women.
- Frequent change in body weight.
- Abdominal pain for either constipation or diarrhea.
- Sore throat and bad breath.
- Becoming voilent and wild at the thought of gaining weight.
- Self harming tendencies and depression.
- Very concerned of body image and asking frequently about looks.
- Low concentration while working or reading.
- Inability to socialize and always be secretive.
Bulimia is often associated with depression and other psychiatric disorders. People with bulimia can maintain normal weight and keep this condition as secret for many years. Bulimia can lead to further comlications such as nutritional deficiencies and even death.
One good thing about bulimia is that is can be treated completely by medication, psychotherapy and family therapy. Natural therapies and dietary supplements can be used for general health and well-being of bulimic person.
