Bulimia
Bulimia is a mental health issue and an eating disorder.
Bulimic people go through phases where they binge eat a lot of food in a short period and then make themselves ill. They use laxatives (medication to help them poop), overexert themselves physically, or do a mix to prevent themselves from gaining weight.
Anyone can develop bulimia, although adolescents between the ages of 13 and 17 are more likely to do so.
Symptoms of bulimia
- Binge eating is when you quickly and uncontrollably consume a lot of food.
- Purging is forcing yourself to vomit, using laxatives, or exercising excessively after a binge to prevent gaining weight.
- Being extremely critical of your appearance, especially your weight
- Mood swings, such as feeling incredibly tense and filled with anxious\
Bulimia causes
Bulimia’s precise origin is uncertain. Eating disorders may arise for various reasons, including genetics, biology, emotional well-being, societal expectations, etc.
Risk factors and complications
Bulimia is primarily noticeable in women and girls than in boys and men. Bulimia frequently starts in late adolescence or early adulthood.
The following things could make you more likely to develop bulimia:
Biology. Hereditary components concern the increased risk of eating disorders in those with first-degree relatives who have them (siblings, parents, or children).
Emotional and psychological problems. Eating disorders are often related to psychological and emotional issues like depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Dieting. Dieters are more likely to experience eating disorders. Between binge episodes, many bulimics drastically restrict calories, which may lead to the impulse to binge eat again and then purge.
Numerous dangerous and even life-threatening problems from bulimia can occur.
Potential complications include:
- Problems with relationships and social functioning as well as low self-esteem
- Dehydration can cause serious health issues like kidney failure
- Heart issues including a rapid heartbeat or heart failure
- Tooth decay and gum disease that is severe
- Women who experience irregular or no periods
- Digestive issue
Preventing bulimia
Although there is no secure way to stop bulimia, you can influence someone to adopt healthier habits or seek professional help before things get out of hand.
Here’s how you can assist:
- Regardless of size or form, encourage and reinforce a positive body image in your kids. Kindly enable them to develop their confidence in areas other than beauty
- Enjoy frequent meals together as a family
- Don’t discuss weight at home. Instead, concentrate on leading a healthy lifestyle
- Encourage appropriate weight-control methods instead of dieting
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 16 JULY 2022