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Bulimia - also known as bulimia nervosa - is a serious eating disorder. It is characterized by secretive excessive eating usually followed by self-induced vomiting - known as purging- to prevent weight gain.
The disorder generally occurs after a variety of failed attempts of dieting. The exact cause of bulimia is unknown but research shows that psychological, social and cultural factors may play an important role. Bulimia is more common among woman, mostly starting in the teen or early adult years. It is a serious psychological problem that may go way beyond a fixation on food, weight and dieting.
The sufferer can vomit once a month or very frequently like many times a day. Overall health depends on how often the sufferer binges and purges. The person is usually aware of that something is not normal and may experience fear and guilt. Although the body weight is normal or low, the person thinks she/he is overweight. Family and friends may have difficulty detecting bulimia in someone they know because the person tries very hard to hide that he/she is suffering from bulimia.
The symptoms and signs of bulimia are:
- Binge eating. The person eats very large amounts of food in a short period of time.
- Overeating in response to emotional stress
- Lack of control over eating
- Self-induced vomiting
- Overuse of laxatives or diuretics in attempt to lose weight
- Vigorous exercise
- Strict dieting or fasting - refusing to eat -
- Frequently making excuses to go to the bathroom after eating and turning on the water to unable the noise of vomiting.
- Constant weighing or measuring the body
- Fear of fatness
- Being dissatisfied with their physical appearance
- Alcohol and drug abuse are more common among people suffering from bulimia than the rest of the population.
- Low self-esteem
- Stealing or lying about food
- Secret hoards of high-calorie junk foods
- Lack of interest in social activities
- Indigestion
- Weakness and exhaustion
- Menstrual problems such as irregular or absent periods
- Hair loss
- Unusual swelling around the jaw
- Dry skin, blisters and cracks around the mouth
- Swollen saliva glands
- Signs of dehydration
- Bloodshot eyes
- Chronic sore throat as a result of vomiting
- Dental problems such as severe tooth decays and gum infections -gingivitis- as a result of excessive exposure to gastric acid - stomach acid- in vomit.
- Vomiting blood
- Overachieving behavior
- Depression, in some cases it may lead to suicide
- Mood swings
- Constipation
Diagnosis is usually made by patient history and physical examination. Bulimia can result in stomach ruptures, heart problems and even death in rare cases, if it is left untreated. This eating disorder can not be controlled voluntarily by the sufferers without professional help.
Bulimia can be treated especially if help is obtained in the early stages of the disease. The first step of the treatment is to break down the binge eating and purging cycle with the support of the loved ones.
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