Some of the warning signs of bulimia nervosa.
Do you eat when you aren't hungry because you feel upset or to punish yourself or make you feel better? Do you fast because you think you are fat? Do you go on eating binges and then make yourself vomit? These are all signs of eating disorders. These are very unhealthy, physically and mentally.
You have heard of anorexia, when a person doesn't eat and becomes grossly thin, but still thinks they are fat. But, what is bulimia? Bulimia is what they call a binge and purge syndrome. The person eats large amounts of food at a time, then they get rid of the food immediately after by making themselves throw up or sometimes they use laxatives. People with bulimia may also use diuretics, enemas, appetite suppressants and they may fast and exercise often. One major difference in the appearance of those with anorexia and those with bulimia is the person with bulimia is not really underweight. They are usually normal weight, and may even be a little overweight. That is why they vomit, to try to maintain their weight. They still get some satisfaction out of eating large amounts of food, but feel very shameful of their behavior.
Signs of bulimia include a round or puffy neck and face from the frequent vomiting, calluses on fingers and knuckles from hand hitting the teeth and roof of the mouth when inducing vomiting, damaged tooth enamel from stomach acid reflux. More seriously bulimia can lead to kidney problems, heart problems and chemical imbalances. Also, depression is very common in people with bulimia.
Eating disorders can cause life threatening medical problems. The problem is not just with the weight or the food, it is also having to do with emotional conflicts. The more emotional conflicts and stress the person has, the more often she will binge and purge.
A person with an eating disorder has to admit it, just as an alcoholic or drug addict does, in order to get better. It will involve physical, as well as, psychological therapy.
