Bulimia
Overview of Bulimia
Bulimia takes its roots from the Greek, where
bous means ‘ox’ and
limos mean ‘hunger’, indicating a state of excessive hunger. Bulimia, also called as ‘bulimia nervosa’, is the most common eating disorder. It involves binge eating followed by inappropriate behavior to avoid weight gain. Binge eating means ‘eating large amounts of food in a short time’. Later, to get rid of the food they ‘vomit or purge’ using medicines or laxatives.
People with bulimia like to binge, because they experience a comfort feeling. After binging, they feel ashamed, guilty and are scared of gaining weight. This causes them to purge later. They are capable of self-evaluating based on their body shape and weight.1 The occurrence of binge eating and purging in a person suffering from this disorder is at least twice a week for 3 months.
People having binge eating habit and not suffering with this disorder are overweight and people suffering with this disorder with binge eating habits are of normal weight. There are two types of bulimia nervosa.
- Purging type—In this type, the people suffering with this disorder indulge in self-induced vomiting or the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
- Non-purging type—In this type, the affected people indulge in inappropriate compensatory behaviors, such as fasting or exercising excessively.
Epidemiology (Occurence of Bulimia in Different Groups)
Bulimia nervosa is a chronic disorder, which lasts for more than 6 months. Prevalence of the disorder has increased due to general awareness. Among women aged between 17 and 30 years, the incidence is 5000 per 100,000 population.2 This disorder manifests at a peak age of 18 years.2 Women are at more risk than men in the proportion of 20:1.3
About 30% develop additional conditions like depression, compulsive behavior etc. during the course of the disease. Many reports suggest that those suffering with bulimia might have a history of anorexia nervosa. Bulimia is common among those, who lose and gain weight rapidly like wrestlers. This is also common mainly in sports persons where slimming and body shape is of much importance. Some occupations like modeling, acting etc. are at a higher risk of getting affected by this condition. Recent studies suggest that bulimia is seen among middle and upper socioeconomic class of the society.
Signs and Symptoms of Bulimia
People suffering with bulimia generally tend to hide binging and purging habits, as they feel ashamed. They binge when others are not around. Signs and symptoms of binge eating
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Causes of Bulimia
Studies on bulimia have not indicated the actual cause of the disorder. It might be a mixture of environmental factors, social factors, personality traits and may run in families.4
Risk Factors for Bulimia
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Diagnosis of Bulimia
Observing the signs and symptoms of this disorder may be helpful in being treated at the earliest. The person affected with bulimia usually does not consult with the practitioner until the problem becomes a serious state.
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Treatment of Bulimia
This involves antidepressant treatment using selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like fluoxetine and sertraline are given. The drug bupropion is also given, in the treatment of bulimia to reduce the risk of
Read more about the Treatment of Bulimia...
Prevention for Bulimia
Bulimia cannot be prevented but can be treated when diagnosed early. Developing a healthy view of themselves and learning to approach food and exercise with a positive attitude may prevent some children and teens developing this disorder in later stage of life.
Living with Bulimia
People suffering with this disease feel ashamed and disgusted by vomiting. This leads to isolation and depression. It is frustrating for the family to have a family member like this.The family always worries about the person who is suffering from this disorder fear that he or she may die. In such a situation, a lot of support is expected from family and friends.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: January 03, 2009