Bulimia
Bulimia is a psychological disorder, according to the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual," fourth edition. When an individual focuses obsessively on his body image they can develop bulimia. Bulimic individuals will do just about anything to reach their desired physical appearance. However, what the individual sees in the mirror is often distorted compared to reality. Thus, an individual might appear thin and malnourished to others, but sees himself as overweight.
Actions of Bulimics
Food is necessary for nourishment and growth, but a bulimic individual has a negative relationship with food. Individuals suffering from bulimia might binge, or eat compulsively, then purge, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Purging might include forcing the contents out of the stomach through vomiting or using laxatives. Individuals might also fast and exercise obsessively to attain a thinner body. By purging, a bulimic is often severely dehydrated.
Implications
By having such an unhealthful relationship with food, an individual with bulimia is causing significant damage to his body. By purging food, the body does not have time to process the nutrients and vitamins. This can eventually lead to malnourishment and stunted development in young persons. Without nutrients, the body cannot carry out normal functions. This affects hair growth. Hairscientists.org points out that without water, normal organ functions cease, which in turn signals the body to stop producing attributes such as hair. Instead, the follicles enter the loss phase, called telogen. This causes the hair to fall out in large quantities.
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