Bulimia nervosa, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment and prevention

 

Bulimia nervosa, its symptoms, causes, risk factors, treatment and prevention

Bulimia (boo-LEE-me-uh) nervosa, sometimes known as bulimia, is a severe, possibly fatal eating disorder. Bulimics may surreptitiously binge (consume excessive food intake with a lack of control) and then vomit, attempting to get rid of the additional calories in an unhealthy manner.

Bulimics may employ a variety of strategies to burn calories and avoid excess weight. For instance, following overeating, you might self-induce vomiting or abuse laxatives, weight-loss pills, diuretics, or enemas. You can also utilise alternative methods to burn calories and avoid weight gain, such as starvation, tight diets, or severe activity.

If you suffer from bulimia, you're likely obsessed with your weight and your physical form. You may seriously and brutally critique yourself for your apparent inadequacies. Bulimia can be difficult to manage since it is tied to self-image and not only eating. Appropriate therapy, on the other hand, can make you feel better about yourself, establish healthy eating habits, and overcome major issues.

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Symptoms of Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia signs and symptoms may include:

•         Obsessing over your body shape and weight

•         Living in fear of gaining weight

•         Starting to feel out of control while bingeing — as if you can't stop eating or can't control what you eat

•         Pressuring yourself to vomit or exercising excessively to avoid putting on weight after bingeing • Using laxatives, diuretics, or enemas after eating when they're not needed

•         Fasting, calorie restriction, or ignoring certain foods among binges

The intensity of bulimia is assessed by the frequency with which you purge each week, which should be at least once a week for at least three months.

When to go for a doctor

Get medical attention as soon as you notice any bulimia signs. Bulimia, if left untreated, can have serious consequences for your wellbeing.

Discuss your bulimia symptoms and feelings with your medical professional or a psychological health specialist. If you're hesitant to get help, tell somebody you trust about your situation, whether it's a companion or loved one, a tutor, a spiritual leader, or any other individual. He or she can assist you in taking the first steps towards effective bulimia therapy.

Assisting a loved one suffering with bulimia symptoms

If you suspect a loved one is suffering from bulimia, have an open and honest conversation about your worries. You can't make someone get assistance from professionals, but you can motivate and assist them. You may also assist in locating a skilled physician or psychological health expert, scheduling a consultation, and even offering to accompany them.

Although most persons with bulimia are average or slightly overweight, it may be difficult for others to recognize what is wrong. Family and friends may notice the following red flags:

•         Continually fretting or moaning about being overweight

•         Having a skewed, extremely poor perception of one's body

•         Eating abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting, particularly things that the individual would ordinarily ignore

•         Rigid dieting or fasting following binge eating

•         Not desire to consume food in public or in the presence of others

•         Using the bathroom immediately following a meal, during meals, or for long periods of time

•         Exercising excessively

•         Having ulcers, scars, or calluses on the knuckles or hands

•         Having effected teeth and gums

•         Changing weight.

Causes of Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia's actual aetiology is unclear. Several factors, such as genetics, biology, mental health, cultural standards, and others, may play a part in the emergence of eating disorders.

Risk factors for Bulimia nervosa

Girls and women are more prone than boys and men to suffer from bulimia. Bulimia is most commonly diagnosed in late adolescence or early adulthood.

The following factors may raise your risk of bulimia:

•         Biology. Individuals with first-degree relatives (siblings, parents, or children) who have an eating problem are more likely to acquire one themselves, implying a genetic connection. Obesity as a kid or adolescent may raise the risk.

•         Mental and emotional problems. Eating disorders are frequently associated with emotional and mental difficulties such as depression, anxiety disorders, or drug use disorders. Bulimia patients may have a low self-image. Traumatic experiences and environmental stress may have a role in some situations.

•         Dieting. Individuals who diet are more likely to acquire eating problems. Many bulimics aggressively limit calories in between binge episodes, which may provoke a need to binge eat and afterwards vomit again. Anxiety, a negative body perception, food, and restlessness can all be stimuli for bingeing.

Complications in Bulimia nervosa

•         Bulimia can lead to a variety of severe, even life-threatening problems.

•         Low self and difficulties with social and interpersonal interaction are consequences.

•         Dehydration, which can result in serious medical issues such as renal failure

•         Cardiovascular issues, such as an irregular pulse or heart problems

•         Severe dental caries and tooth loss in females

•         Absence or irregular periods in females

•         Digestive issues

•         Stress, sadness, personality problems, or bipolar disorder

•         Substance abuse

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Prevention in Bulimia nervosa

A proven method to avoid bulimia, you can guide people towards healthy diet and exercise or expert assistance before things escalate. Here's what you can do:

•         Encourage and promote a positive body image in your children, regardless of their size or shape.

•         Have regular, enjoyable family meals to help kids acquire confidence in areas other than their looks.

•         Avoid discussing weight at home. Rather, concentrate on leading a healthy lifestyle.

•         Avoid dieting, particularly when it involves harmful weight-control practises such as fasting, the use of weight-loss pills or laxatives, or self-induced vomiting.

•         Consult with your primary care physician. He or she may be in a good position to detect early signs of an eating disorder and aid in its prevention. If you observe a family member or acquaintance who appears to have food difficulties that might lead to or signal an eating disorder, consider talking to them about it and asking how you can assist.

 

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