As I mentioned countless times, obesity is an epidemic in America, and it is slowly but surely killing us while putting an enormous burden on our health care system.  But there are other eating issues besides gluttony that are dangerous, and yes, deadly.  Yesterday’s post discussed anorexia and how there are over 10,000,000 websites that encourage and promote anorexia.  Today we are talking about bulimia.

Remember the stats I mentioned yesterday?  Unbelievably, there are over 10,000,000 websites that are promoting anorexia; giving tips and online support to help people become thinner through anorexia.  There are more than 2,000,000 other pro bulimia websites offering encouragement, tips and advice on purging.  I’ll say it again … that these sites exist is to me, morally reprehensible.

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder. Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control (purging). Inappropriate methods of weight control include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive exercising. Excessive shape and weight concerns are also characteristics of bulimia. A binge is an episode where an individual eats a much larger amount of food than most people would in a similar situation. Binge eating is not a response to intense hunger. It is usually a response to depression, stress, or self esteem issues. During the binge episode, the individual experiences a loss of control. However, the sense of a loss of control is also followed by a short-lived calmness. The calmness is often followed by self-loathing. The cycle of overeating and purging usually becomes an obsession and is repeated often.

Bulimia was only diagnosed as its own eating disorder in the 1980s.

People with bulimia can look perfectly normal.  Here is the tricky part in identifying someone who is bulimic:  Most of them are of normal weight, and some may be overweight. Women with bulimia tend to be high achievers.

What makes it even harder to determine whether a person is suffering from bulimia, is the fact that bingeing and purging is often done in secret. Also, individuals suffering from bulimia often deny their condition.

Sufferers consume huge quantities of food. Sometimes up to 20,000 calories at a time. The foods on which they binge tend to be foods labeled as “comfort foods” — sweet foods, high in calories, or smooth, soft foods like ice cream, cake, and pastry. An individual may binge anywhere from twice a day to several times daily.

What Causes Bulimia?

There is currently no definite known cause of bulimia. Researchers believe it begins with dissatisfaction of the person’s body and extreme concern with body size and shape. Usually individuals suffering from bulimia have low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and a fear of becoming fat

Medical complications from bulimia

Some of the most common complications of bulimia are:

•Erosion of tooth enamel because of repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents.
•Dental cavities, sensitivity to hot or cold food.
•Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (from repeated vomiting).
•Stomach Ulcers.
•Ruptures of the stomach and esophagus.
•Abnormal buildup of fluid in the intestines.
•Disruption in the normal bowel release function.
•Electrolyte imbalance.
•Dehydration
•Irregular heartbeat and in severe cases heart attack
•A greater risk for suicidal behavior
•Decrease in libido
Symptoms of Bulimia

Some of the most common symptoms of bulimia are:

•Eating uncontrollably
•Purging
•Strict dieting
•Fasting
•Vigorous exercise
•Vomiting or abusing laxatives or diuretics in an attempt to lose weight.
•Vomiting blood
•Using the bathroom frequently after meals.
•Preoccupation with body weight
•Depression or mood swings. Feeling out of control.
•Swollen glands in neck and face
•Heartburn,
•Bloating,
•Indigestion,
•Constipation
•Irregular periods
•Dental problems
•sore throat
•Weakness
•Exhaustion
•Bloodshot eyes

Risk Factors of Bulimia

There are certain professions and activities/hobbies where thinness is emphasized, making eating disorders more prevalent.  Not surprisingly, modeling, dancing, gymnastics, wrestling, and long-distance running all foster body image issues that can lead to bulima.

Bulimia Statistics

•Bulimia affects about 10% of college age women in the United States.
•About 10% of individuals diagnosed with bulimia are men.
•10% of individuals suffering from bulimia will die from either starvation, cardiac arrest, other medical complications, or suicide.

Bulimia is insidious in that it is really hard to identify an individual who suffers from the illness.  The health problems associated with bulimia are extensive, but the individual doesn’t look ill on the outside and often isn’t thin to the point of alarming friends and family.  Again, open communication between the individual and family/friends is the key to preventing eating disorders or getting help for the one suffering from the illness.

Posted by Laurie Puckett at Remmel Wellness Center, a full service wellness and chiropractic facility located in beautiful St. Petersburg, Florida.