Bulimia Nervosa
Approximately 4% of people aged 16 - 25 suffer from bulimia. Like anorexia, bulimia is a serious psychological eating disorder that can be life threatening if left untreated. Bulimia nervosa can be characterised by the constant fear of putting on weight and the use of unnatural ways to get rid of the food (e.g. forced vomiting, taking laxatives or excessive exercise). An individual suffering with bulimia will usually binge eat (often comfort foods with high levels of sugar and calories) and then feel guilty enough to force themselves to get rid of the food. Some individuals will force themselves to get rid of the food even if they haven’t had a binge, but feel they have eaten more than they should have. As many sufferers are deeply ashamed of their behaviour, they almost always relieve themselves by forced vomiting in secret.
Symptoms of Bulimia
- Frequent stomach pains
- Feeling weak
- Disruption of the menstruation cycle
- Feeling dehydrated
- Dramatic increase in food intake yet no weight change
- Intense exercise regime
- Isolation from friends and family
- Depression
- Impulsive behaviour
- Frail hair or nails
- Dry skin
- Tooth and gum problems
Long Term Effects of Bulimia
- Heart problems or irregular heart beat
- Kidney problems
- Chronic irregular bowel movements
- Problems in pregnancy
- Death