Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa has three primary symptoms:
* Regular intake of large amounts of food accompanied by a sense of loss
of control over eating behavior.
* Regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced
vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, fasting, and/or obsessive or compulsive
exercise.
* Extreme concern with body weight and shape.
Eating disorder specialists believe that the chance for recovery increases the earlier bulimia nervosa is detected. Therefore, it is important to be aware of some of the warning signs of bulimia nervosa.
Warning Signs of Bulimia Nervosa:
* Evidence of binge-eating, including disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or the existence of wrappers and containers indicating the consumption of large amounts of food.
* Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom
after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages
of laxatives or diuretics.
* Excessive, rigid exercise regimen--despite weather, fatigue, illness,
or injury--the need to “burn off” calories taken in.
* Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area.
* Calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self-induced vomiting.
* Discoloration or staining of the teeth.
* Creation of complex lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge-and-purge
sessions.
* Withdrawal from usual friends and activities.
* In general, behaviors and attitudes indicating that weight loss, dieting,
and control of food are becoming primary concerns.
Bulimia nervosa can be extremely harmful to the body. The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles can impact the entire digestive system and purge behaviors can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions.
Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa:
* Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeats and
possibly heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is caused by
dehydration and loss of potassium and sodium from the body as a result
of purging behaviors.
* Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting.
* Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent
vomiting.
* Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of
laxative abuse.
* Gastric rupture is an uncommon but possible side effect of binge eating.
Information from National Eating Disorders