Anorexia and bulimia share certain commonalities. Both are related to feelings and emotional issues and both are focused on diet and weight. But, whereas individuals with anorexia starve themselves to dangerously thin levels, those with bulimia eat large amounts of food—sometimes thousands of calories at a time—and then purge the calories out of their bodies through vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, laxatives, and other methods.
Women, more than men, struggle with eating disorders. As with any addictive behavior, they find that bulimia can soon influence and shape their entire life, compromise their health, and hurt relationships with friends and family.
It is not immediately obvious when a person is struggling with bulimia. Their weight is not low and they often seem healthy. Usually, the only overt physical signs are swollen cheeks or scrapes on their fingers -- the result of induced vomiting. Dentists are often the only ones to recognize the problem, due to damage to the teeth from repeated exposure to stomach acid.
It is not unusual for a person with bulimia to want to stop. They experience a large amount of guilt and a great deal of shame regarding their behaviors. They have a total loss of control in their lives. They feel a high level of stress, yet they cannot change.
If bulimia is severe and prolonged, the medical consequences are extremely serious, especially if laxatives are abused. These include injury to the stomach, intestines and esophagus and damage to the heart and kidneys. Fortunately, many of these medical complications can improve once a person recovers from the disorder.
Criteria:
Binge-eating on a regular basis
Purging: Regular efforts to avoid weight gain, including: self-induced vomiting, laxative abuse, diuretics, enemas, other medications, fasting, or excessive exercise.
Frequency: episodes of binge eating and purging both occur, on average, at least twice a week for three months.
Body Image Issues: Making your weight the only thing you judge yourself on.
Warning Signs:
Excessive thoughts about weight
Strict dieting followed by periods of binge eating
Frequent overeating, especially when distressed
Bingeing on high calorie, sweet foods
Use of laxatives, diuretics, strict dieting, vigorous exercise, and/or vomiting to control weight
Leaving for the bathroom after meals
Being secretive about binges or vomiting
Planning binges or opportunities to binge
Feeling out of control
Depressive moods
Remember, eating disorders are psychological illnesses; as such, therapy is usually required. If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia, please get help. The earlier treatment is sought, the better the chance of a full and permanent recovery.
We Are Here to Help
Recovery from an eating disorder is possible. It's happening every day at Remuda Ranch. For additional information about the treatment of eating and anxiety disorders, please call 1-800-445-1900 or complete a Take the Next Step form and we will contact you with the information you need.
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