3 Ways to Understand the Dangers of Bulimia

1. What is Bulimia?

Bulimia Nervosa, more commonly known as bulimia, is an eating disorder that is characterized when an individual (typically female) devours substantial amounts of food in a less than 2-hour period, and then vomits or purges the food. The quantity or caloric intake of food is substantial and significantly more than a person would eat at one meal. This behavior is often referred to as bingeing.

For instance a person might go out to dinner and eat a normal dinner, but continue to binge on large amounts of food when they get home, perhaps the equivalent to three or four meals. This is not to be confused with people who graze or eat small amounts of food throughout the day.
Purging follows bingeing, and it includes self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting or inappropriate use of laxatives and diuretics. Bulimics feel as though they cannot stop themselves once a binge and purge cycle has begun. To some extent they are in a dissociative state. This binge and purge cycle can occur up to three times a week or even daily in severe cases. Approximately, 80% to 90% of people who purge use the vomiting method, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or the DSM-IV.

Typically, bulimics are not underweight; they maintain a normal body weight for their height and age. However, people struggling with bulimia harbor an extremely distorted sense of body shape and size and have intense feelings of dislike about their body. They so desperately want to be their ideal perception of the perfect size.

2. Feelings Surrounding Bulimia

Enormous feelings of guilt and shame accompany bulimia. Most often the bingeing and purging behavior is secretive and inconspicuous. Frequently, a person suffering from bulimia cannot predict when an episode will occur. According to the DSM-IV, a bingeing and purging episode can be triggered by anxious, depressive feelings or a stressful life event. Depression, anxiety and substance abuse issues are common concommitant illnesses for people afflicted with bulimia.

3. Physical Dangers

Surprisingly, dentists are often the first medical professionals to notice the physical effects from bulimia. Due to excessive vomiting, the stomach acid decays and stains the teeth. According to the National Eating Disorders Association, approximately 89% of people suffering from bulimia have signs of tooth erosion.

Frequent purging can cause an electrolyte imbalance, which can lead to serious medical problems and, in severe cases, can cause death. Some bulimics purge so frequently that they can vomit at will. This behavior can rupture the esophagus. In non-purging bulimia, the use of excessive laxatives can cause constipation and intestinal problems. If you are suffering from bulimia, seek professional help.