Bulimia

Bulimia is a condition where sufferers typically binge and purge. Binging is consuming large quantities of food in a short time, during which individuals feel they have no control over their eating. Purging is the release of that food by self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, diuretics abuse or compulsive exercising.

Purging is not necessarily used to lose weight. It may be used to demonstrate control or for punishment.

Although the number of males who develop eating disorders is increasing, bulimia most frequently afflicts adolescent girls and young women. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that 1.1% to 4.2% of females have bulimia at some point in their lives. Bulimia can affect people of practically any age. It is increasingly common in pre-teens and can affect seniors, too. Many people who have bulimia also have binge-eating disorder.

Medical Impact of Bulimia
Frequent binging and purging of food can have severe medical consequences. Purging can result in the loss of minerals the body needs to function properly, resulting in an electrolyte imbalance. This imbalance can result in irregular heartbeats, increasing the potential for heart failure and death. Those who use drugs to stimulate vomiting, bowel movements or urination further increase the risk of heart failure.

Frequent vomiting can cause other health problems, such as swollen glands, and inflammation or tearing of the esophagus, which can be deadly. Acid from vomit can wear down the protective layer of a person's teeth. Those with bulimia often have irregular menstrual periods and lowered interest in sex. Many bulimia patients have other mental disorders, such as depression, anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. They also may be addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Bulimia may also cause an electrolyte imbalance, chronic constipation, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, swelling and acid reflux.

Signs of Bulimia
Those with bulimia can frequently hide their affliction, because people with bulimia often maintain a normal body weight. Physical signs may include swollen glands, discolored teeth and calluses on the hands caused by self-inducing vomiting. People with bulimia are usually extremely concerned with their body weight and shape, and they may have distorted images of their bodies. They may hide food. Excessive amounts of food containers and wrappers are also evidence of binging.

Evidence of purging may include the frequent smell of vomit, excessive trips to the bathroom after meals, and excessive exercise taking place in spite of weather, illness, injury or other factors. Frequent purchasing of laxatives or diuretics, or disposal of packaging for such products, is another sign. People with bulimia often create complex schedules to make time for binging and purging. They are often socially withdrawn, and become obsessed with weight loss and controlling what they eat.

Other signs may include:

• Eating unusually large amounts of food with no apparent change in weight
• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals
• Excessive use of diuretics
• Going to the kitchen frequently when everyone is sleeping
• Excessive, rigid exercise
• Rituals to allow for binging and purging

Causes of Bulimia
While more research is needed before we understand the causes of bulimia and other eating disorders, we now know that several factors can lead to bulimia. While there is no single root cause, we believe that people with bulimia have a chemical imbalance in the brain that affects their behavior.

Genetics are also a major factor, as are cultural ideals about body image.

A traumatic event, which may have taken place years before bulimia manifests itself, may also have an impact. Such events may include sexual abuse or rape, emotional abuse, parents' divorce, death of a loved one or a history of being teased or ridiculed.

Bulimia often starts with a diet, which may be meant to help the person regain self-esteem and control. Restriction, such as severe dieting, often plays a major role. When people deprive themselves of food, they may respond by binging. Feeling guilt for breaking their diet, they may then purge. Once a cycle of binging and purging is established, it is difficult to break.

Some people perceive bulimia as a way to cope with problems when they feel out of control.