Bulimia is a food disorder where individuals use various methods to stop weight gain after over eating. These individuals tend to feel a loss of control while they are eating, so they use their methods of inducing vomiting to get control back. Statistics of this disorder have shown that the average person with this particular disorder is generally Caucasian, 18+ and female. Although this disorder is found in men as well, between 95% and 99% of cases are women. Bulimia is the cause of between 140,000 and 150,000 women deaths yearly.
Most people who are affected by this appear normal to many of us. The difference is what they do behind closed doors. This would be the vomiting after meals, sometimes after every meal. They tend to weigh themselves constantly and also to try and achieve more than the normal person. It is referred to as “overachieving” behavior. Also, some adolescents give off symptoms like, always expressing that they think their fat or overweight. Some don’t even realize that they do it; others excuse themselves to use the RR alone right after meals.
Bulimia can have some complications if done for long periods of time. Some of the complications are: dehydration, cavities or enamel decay, constipation and tears of the esophagus. The reason for the tears is from the constant vomiting putting stomach acid in your esophagus. Pancreatitis can also be a serious problem that can come from this disorder.
The treatment for Bulimia is almost the same as the treatment for other eating disorders in most cases, depending on the severity of the particular case. One may seek help or therapy from support groups. This would of course be an added onto any severe case going through other forms of treatment, but can also be the only treatment for one who doesn’t have a severe case of this food disorder. Another option of treatment is usually therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) along with a nutritionist to help maintain nutrition. Last but not least is of course a type of antidepressant. These have been proven very affective in a variety of cases, but not always the best answer for all cases.
What a lot of people fail to realize is that therapy alone will not be effective. It is a lot of hard work, but can be cured. Anyone facing this disorder should feel a sense of hope and know that there are thousands of individuals who have learned how to cope without being bulimic.
For more information you should contact a hospital or treatment center in your area.
