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Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by repeated cycle of binge eating and purging. A binge means, that when a person suffers from with this eating disorder, that person eats what is considered an enormous amount of food, within a short time frame. A person with this disorder appears to be hungry and will eat, what may seem like a large amount of food for one sitting. The purging part of this disorder usually immediately follows the binge. Basically purging means that all consumed food is removed from the body.
This can include inducing vomiting, taking excessive amounts of laxatives or the use of enemas to remove food through the bowels. It is not uncommon for a person with bulimia to take excessive diuretics, in order to remove excess water weight through urination. Excessive exercise, as well as engaging in fasting, is also common with people suffering from Bulimia Nervosa. People suffering from this eating disorder, tend to engage in this type of behavior of binging and purging at least two times a week, for a period of six months or more, according to average statistics. It is believed that Bulimia nervosa, just as with the eating disorder Anorexia, also stems from psychological issues and share similar traits such as; low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, self disappointment, and so one. Often, the person suffering from bulimia has a tendency to binge in private, thus avoiding the embarrassment of having to explain themselves. And since majority of people in our society normally use the bathroom alone, the ability to purge often goes unnoticed. Slowly and overtime, the person with bulimia starts to distance themselves from friends and family, often preferring to spend their time planning their next binge. Weight loss is not so rapid normally, when compared to someone suffering from the eating disorder Anorexia. This is due to the fact that they are receiving some nutrients prior to purging and many people suffering from the eating disorder bulimia tend to maintain a normal body weight, making it difficult to recognize the person has an eating disorder. Frequent purging that occurs with this eating disorder can do some serious damage to your body. The self-induced vomiting can damage the esophagus, causing it to eventually tear or bleed. The stomach acid contained within the vomit, can cause the enamel of the teeth erode, causing them to become excessively fragile and prone to cavities. Excessive use of laxatives, which are commonly abused by those with this eating disorder, have a tendency to make the body dependent on them for elimination. Overtime the long-term damage can cause cardiac abnormalities and possible kidney failure, as these organs are often affected. The warning signs of bulimia can vary from person to person, but commonly include frequent trips to the bathroom immediately following a meal. Frequent bouts of diarrhea without an illness, and the increased erosion of teeth, which will tend to look yellow and dull. |