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Eating Disorders Association N.Ireland 28 Bedford Street
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N.Ireland
Bulimia
The term Bulimia Nervosa literally means 'the hunger of an ox'. The hunger, however, is an emotional need that cannot be satisfied by food alone. After binge-eating a large quantity of food to fill the emotional or hunger gap, there is an urge to immediately get rid of the food by vomiting or taking laxatives (or both), by starving or reducing food intake, or by working off the calories with exercise in an attempt not to gain weight.
Bulimia is more difficult for others to notice as you tend not to lose weight so dramatically, or your weight will fluctuate. People with bulimia may have demanding jobs that require them to be out-going or self-assured even when they feel inadequate inside. As with anorexia, people who develop bulimia become reliant on the control of food and eating as a way of coping with emotional difficulties in their life. You may also find you become obsessed with maintaining your weight.
You are most likely to develop bulimia in your late teens to early 20's. This sometimes occurs because of a belief that bulimia will help you to diet successfully where other attempts to lose weight have failed. It is also often associated with low self-esteem or a general lack of self-confidence. You may have previously had anorexia.
The effects of Bulimia on your body:
- Frequent weight changes
- Sore throat, tooth decay and bad breath caused by excessive vomiting
- Swollen salivary glands making the face rounder
- Poor skin condition and possible hair loss
- Irregular 'periods' or loss of interest in sex
- Lethargy and tiredness
- Increased risk of heart problems and problems with other internal organs
Psychological signs of Bulimia:
- Uncontrollable urges to eat vast amounts of food
- An obsession with food, or feeling 'out of control' around food
- Distorted perception of body weight and shape
- Emotional behaviour and mood swings
- Anxiety and depression; low self-esteem, shame and guilt
- Isolation- feeling helpless and lonely
Behavioural signs in Bulimia
- Bingeing and vomiting
- Disappearing to the toilet after meals in order to vomit food eaten
- Excessive use of laxatives, diuretics or enemas
- Periods of fasting
- Excessive exercising
- Secrecy and reluctance to socialise
- Shoplifting for food; abnormal amounts of money spent on food
- Food disappearing unexpectedly or being secretly hoarded
Long-term effects of bulimia:
In a similar way to anorexia, bulimia can take over the life of the person with the disorder, making them feel trapped and desperate. Bingeing, purging and dramatic loss of fluids can cause physical problems which can usually be corrected once the body is nourished in an even and moderate way.
Bulimia can, in extreme cases, be fatal due to heart failure. An imbalance or dangerously low levels of the essential minerals in the body can significantly, even fatally affect the working of vital internal organs. Other dangers of bulimia include rupture of the stomach, choking, erosion of tooth enamel, painful swallowing and drying up of the salivary glands. Laxative abuse can lead to serious bowel problems.
