Bulimia
Note: Throughout this information, we use "she" when
referring to a person with bulimia. However, bulimia is becoming
increasingly prevalent among males. This information on bulimia
is also applicable to men.
Bulimia is very serious and has
an impact on both physical and mental health. Left untreated, bulimia
can be fatal. People develop bulimia as a way of dealing with the
conflicts, pressures, and stresses of their lives. Bulimia may be
used as a way to express control when the rest of one's life seems
out of control.
What is Bulimia?
Bulimia is the repeated cycle of out-of-control eating followed
by some form of purging. Bulimia is a serious eating disorder which
can be fatal. The purging associated with bulimia may be self-induced
vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, or obsessive
exercising. Women with bulimia often also feel out of control in
other areas of their lives besides food. Women suffering from bulimia
may spend money excessively, abuse drugs or alcohol, or engage in
chaotic relationships.
Bulimia can have severe medical consequences including dental and
esophageal problems, kidney damage, chemical imbalance, and an overall
loss of energy and vitality. Bulimia can even prove fatal.
Bulimia Warning Signs
There are many warning signs which indicate that someone may be suffering
from bulimia. A person with bulimia may exhibit one, all, or any combination
of these warning signs. Becoming aware of these warning signs is the
first step in helping someone suffering from bulimia. When you help
someone with bulimia, you may end up saving her life.
Common warning signs of bulimia:
- A person suffering from bulimia engages in binge eating and
cannot voluntarily stop.
- A person with bulimia uses the bathroom frequently after meals.
- A person with bulimia reacts to emotional stress by overeating.
- Menstrual irregularities are a sign of bulimia.
- Swollen glands are a sign of bulimia.
- A person with bulimia experiences frequent fluctuations in weight.
- A person suffering from bulimia cannot voluntarily stop eating.
- A person with bulimia is obsessively concerned with her weight.
- A person suffering from bulimia attempts to adhere to diets,
but generally fails.
- Guilt or shame about eating is a sign of bulimia.
- A person suffering from bulimia feels out of control.
- Depressive moods are a sign of bulimia.
How can I help someone with bulimia?
You may know someone suffering from bulimia. You may suspect that
someone you know has bulimia but are not certain. You may feel that
you are beginning to exhibit some warning signs for bulimia. What
should you do?
If you feel that you or someone you know may be suffering from
bulimia, it is important to seek professional counseling as quickly
as possible. If untreated, bulimia will become part of a destructive
cycle which can continue for years and eventually lead to death.
Talking to a bulimia treatment professional is the first step toward
successful recovery. For more information on bulimia treatment options
in your area, please call The Renfrew Center at 1-800-RENFREW.
Confidentiality is strictly observed and most insurance plans are
accepted.
Bulimia Resources
The Renfrew Center offers an array of resources concerning bulimia
and other eating disorders including
anorexia and binge eating disorder. For a list of bulimia resources, including books,
magazines, and films on bulimia and other eating disorders, click
here.
This information is provided by The
Renfrew Center Foundation to provide helpful information regarding
bulimia. The Renfrew Center Foundation is dedicated to supporting
research, education, and advocacy in the field of bulimia treatment
and research. To receive a copy of this information in a printed
brochure, please call 1-800-RENFREW.
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