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What is Bulimia Nervosa and How is it Treated? Is This Eating Disorder Dangerous?

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bulimia nervosa, eating disorder

bulimia nervosa, eating disorder

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder, just like anorexia and binge eating, and it can be a dangerous condition for many reasons. If you suffer from bulimia nervosa then you typically binge and purge, eating large amounts of food and then getting rid of it by vomiting or using other measures. This eating disorder can cause malnutrition, and vital body functions may become impaired because of the lack of proper nutrition. Bulimia nervosa can include the following symptoms:

  • Compulsive overeating, often foods high in fat and sugar

  • Inducing vomiting after binging

  • An unhealthy and false body image

  • Exercise that is excessive

  • The use of laxatives

  • Frequent weight changes

  • Abnormal bowel habits and function

  • Constantly dieting

  • Injuries to the hands and knuckles from inducing vomiting

  • Teeth and gums that are swollen or damaged

  • Lack of menstruation

  • Irregular menstrual periods

  • Sores in the throat or mouth caused by excessive vomiting

Treating bulimia nervosa can be difficult, and this is true of most eating disorders. Individual and group counseling is necessary, but you should also receive nutritional counseling and learn stress management techniques and methods as well. Equine therapy can help you rebuild trust, and the individual sessions with a therapist can help you uncover the causes of bulimia nervosa or other eating disorders in your specific case so they can be addressed and then resolved. If you or someone you know has bulimia nervosa or any eating disorder then help and treatment are important. If left unchecked these disorders can be deadly.

 

Signs of Bulimia Nervosa to Watch For

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 bulimia nervosa, eating disorders

Bulimia Nervosa is one of the eating disorders that can be extremely dangerous if left untreated, and there are many signs of this disorder that should not be ignored. This eating disorder involves binging, and the person with this disorder will consume large quantities of food in a short period of time. This is followed by the purge phase, and vomiting, extreme laxative use, and extensive and obsessive exercise may follow the binge period. The person may seem to be at a normal weight, but the binge and purge cycle will damage the health of the individual. In spite of their normal weight someone with Bulimia Nervosa will see themselves as overweight, and they may actually be disgusted or ashamed of their body image.

The most common signs of Bulimia Nervosa include:

  • Not eating meals with others, eating smaller than usual portions, or pushing food around on the plate without actually eating any

  • Exercising all the time, to an excessive degree

  • Dieting constantly even though a normal weight is maintained

  • Frequently complaining about being fat even though the individual is not overweight

  • Episodes of binge eating, large quantities of food suddenly disappearing, and the sudden appearance of many food wrappers and containers in the trash

  • Purging, frequent vomiting, or frequent laxative use

  • A tendency to go to the bathroom immediately after meals

  • Scarring on knuckles caused by induced vomiting

  • Wearing baggy clothing all the time

Do you or someone you know show any of the warning signs of Bulimia Nervosa? If so then treatment is available.