What is Bulimia?
A bulimic person binges (consumes an unusually large amount of food in a short period of time) and purges (rids themselves of the food, usually by vomiting). It’s an eating disorder that affects one and a half million people in the U.S. alone, and it can be deadly.
Bulimics consume very large quantities of food within a short period of time, often as many as 5000 calories within the space of an hour. The average person with bulimia binges 11 times per week.
In addition to binging and purging, bulimic patients often abuse laxatives and diuretics in an attempt to lose weight. While these are not really very effective as a way to reduce calorie absorption, they can have a number of harmful side effects.
People with bulimia may also exercise obsessively, particularly after meals.
More About What is Bulimia
Bulimia affects primarily Caucasians, although this has been changing in recent years. Bulimia also affects primarily women, with only about 5 to 10 percent of bulimics being men. Men who participate on wrestling teams are most likely to suffer from bulimia, as are homosexual men.
Those who frequently diet are much more likely to develop eating disorders than those who do not.
While bulimia most often affects those in their teens and twenties, it can strike at any age. Children as young as six have been diagnosed with the condition.
About 64 percent of bulimics are of near-normal weight, but their weight may fluctuate widely as they cycle through episodes of binging and purging.
What is Bulimia Caused By?
No one knows for sure what causes bulimia.
Some believe it is caused by the messages given by the media, particularly images of women. While the average American woman weighs 142 pounds, the average fashion model weighs only 110 to 118 pounds. This obviously sends a false message to the public.
People with bulimia often suffer from psychological disorders like anxiety and depression, and may use food as a way to “self-medicate.” They may also have substance abuse problems.
Bulimics also tend to have low self-esteem and a poor body image.
What is Bulimia Treatment?
Bulimics often deny they have a problem and/or are unaware of the risks. This can prevent them from seeking treatment, and treatment is essential. The health risks of bulimia are very serious, and without treatment as many as 20 percent of people with eating disorders actually die from their condition.
Bulimic treatment must involve several different components. A number of treatment providers must be involved, including a medical doctor, a mental health care provider, and a dietician.
Medical treatment is often needed to combat the physical effects of bulimia, which can include stomach ulcers, esophageal problems, cardiac problems, and hormonal imbalances. People with bulimia are also often deficient in a number of key nutrients.
Bulimic treatment must also involve nutritional counseling and education. Bulimic patients are often referred to nutritional classes and also receive individualized nutritional counseling. They need to learn how to eat properly, in order to combat nutritional deficiencies and to be healthy in the future.
Treatment for bulimia also includes psychotherapy. There are a number of psychotherapeutic approaches that are helpful for bulimics. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps patients identify faulty thought processes and make changes to their behavior. Interpersonal therapy addresses problems in relationships. Often a combination of techniques is used.
What is Bulimia Treatment Success Rates?
About 80 percent of bulimia patients achieve remission within three months. However, relapse is common. About 20 percent of people with eating disorders never recover but continue to suffer from both physical and mental problems due to the disorder.