Bulimia nervosa
Bulimia is a condition that affects man and women alike. It manifests itself through the episodes of purging that the patients go through. People suffering from Bulimia nervosa eat a lot of food and then use procedures such as self induced vomiting to eliminate the eaten food. This is triggered by a psychological problem, where the patients feel overwhelmed by outside factors, stress or their own personal emotions. Bulimia nervosa is a condition in which the purge and binge episodes are meant to eliminate personal negative emotions, such as fear, anger or, most frequently, stress.
Behavioral signs of Bulimia nervosa
Patients suffering from Bulimia nervosa are aware of the problems they are experiencing, but this still does not eliminate this eating disorder. Eating a lot of food in very short time is usually followed by a feeling of low self esteem and low control over their own emotions and actions. Bulimia nervosa also manifests itself in cases where the patient is obsessed with diets, diet pills or other dieting methods. Self induced vomiting and improper use of laxatives are also factors that reveal this condition.
Anorexia and bulimia
There is a difference between the two conditions, although very few people are aware of this. The cycles of the binging episodes are different with bulimics. They often use diuretical drugs and laxatives to eliminate food quickly; other people suffering from Bulimia nervosa exercise excessively in their attempt to lose weight. Bulimia nervosa also pushes people to hide food or to feast secretly, a fact which only worsens their condition.
Dangers of bulimia
By eating a lot more than they need and then forcing the body to eliminate the unprocessed food, bulimics put themselves at various risks. The digestive organs are gradually “worn out” by the inconsistency of the eating habits. Important vitamins and minerals are also lost during purging. Bulimia nervosa gradually weakens the body, both physically and psychologically, since the patient is aware of the problem.
Find out more about bulimia and bulimia treatment methods by reading our other free resources.
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