Bulimia Nervosa: Signs, Symptoms, Causes

Author: Disabled World (DW)
Updated/Revised Date: 2022/04/12
Category Topic: Bulimia Nervosa (Publications Database)

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Subtopics

Synopsis: Bulimia, also known as bulimia nervosa, is a deadly eating disorder in which an individual believes they are fat or overweight.

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent binge-eating, followed by compensatory behaviors referred to as purging. Media portrayals of an ideal body shape are widely considered to be a contributing factor to bulimia.

Bulimia is related to deep psychological issues and feelings of lack of control. Sufferers often use the destructive eating pattern to feel in control over their lives. They may hide or hoard food and overeat when stressed or upset.

Introduction

Bulimia, also known as bulimia nervosa, a deadly and horrifying eating disorder in which an individual believes they are fat or overweight and lose weight through unhealthy and dangerous methods. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors referred to as purging. The most common form, practiced more than 75% of people with bulimia nervosa, is self-induced vomiting; fasting, the use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics, and over exercising are also common. Bulimia is extremely dangerous and in many cases deadly.

Main Document

There are two subtypes of Bulimia Nervosa: purging and non-purging.

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The periwinkle colored ribbon denotes awareness of eating disorders.
The periwinkle colored ribbon denotes awareness of eating disorders.
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Psychological Issues

Bulimia is related to deep psychological issues and feelings of lack of control. Sufferers often use the destructive eating pattern to feel in control over their lives. They may hide or hoard food and overeat when stressed or upset. They may feel a loss of control during a binge, and consume great quantities of food (sometimes over 20,000 calories). After a length of time, the sufferer of bulimia will find that they no longer have control over their binging and purging.

Most people with bulimia may seem perfectly normal and appear to be at a healthy weight. However, some people have such a low self-esteem and such a bad self-image that they turn to bulimia in an attempt to lose weight.

Many women with bulimia are actually high achievers in other areas such as school or work, and may be trying to cover up their bulimia by succeeding in other areas. Just remembering, anyone can have bulimia. If you do, don't be embarrassed. Treatment is available and help is out there.

Symptoms of Bulimia

Someone with bulimia nervosa will suffer many side effects. Some short-term effects that this eating disorder can cause include (but are not limited to):

If these aren't enough to scare anyone off from even attempting to lose weight through bulimia, let's look at some long-term effects of this vicious eating disorder:

Facts and Statistics

In 1979, Gerald Russell first published a description of bulimia nervosa, in which he studied patients with a "morbid fear of becoming fat" who overate and purged afterwards. He specified treatment options and indicated the seriousness of the disease, which can be accompanied by depression and suicide. In 1980, bulimia nervosa first appeared in the DSM-III.

It can be difficult to really know if someone has bulimia. However, if you are certain that someone you know and care about has bulimia, contact your doctor immediately. Confront the person about your feelings and try to help them. It's almost certain that they will be angry and embarrassed, as well as try to deny that they have bulimia. However, you need to be stern and insist they get help. You could be saving that persons' life.

Latest Publications

- Body mass index percentile method recommended for clinical and research purposes for calculating expected body weight of adolescents with eating disorders.

- The more time adolescent girls spend on Facebook, the more their chances of developing a negative body image and various eating disorders, such as anorexia, bulimia, and exaggerated dieting.

- Give Food A Chance - New Treatment Options for Eating Disorders Described in Book.

Complete List of Publications

Subtopics

Citing Information and Page References

Disabled World (DW) is a comprehensive online resource providing information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Disabled World (DW). (Rev. 2022, April 12). Bulimia Nervosa: Signs, Symptoms, Causes. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved February 11, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa/

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