Carbonell Institute

Eating disorders

Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder in which a person binge eats or experiences regular episodes of excessive food intake and feels a loss of control. The person then uses various methods, such as vomiting or excessive laxative use, to prevent weight gain. Many people with bulimia, though not all, also suffer from anorexia nervosa.

Causes:

Far more women than men suffer from bulimia, and the disorder is most common in adolescent girls and young women. The affected person is usually aware that their eating pattern is abnormal and may experience fear or guilt associated with episodes of binge eating and purging. The exact cause of bulimia is unknown, but genetic, psychological, traumatic, familial, social, or cultural factors may play a role. Bulimia is likely due to more than one factor.

Symptoms of bulimia:

  • In bulimia, episodes of binge eating can occur several times a day for many months. People with bulimia typically eat large amounts of high-calorie foods, usually in secret. During these episodes, the person generally feels a lack of control over their eating. These binge-eating episodes lead to feelings of self-loathing, which then lead to purging in order to prevent weight gain. Purging may include: self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, and the use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics. Purging often produces a feeling of relief. People with bulimia are often at a normal weight, but they may perceive themselves as overweight. Because their weight is often normal, others may not notice this eating disorder. Symptoms that other people may notice include:
  • Compulsive exercise.
  • Suddenly consuming large amounts of food or buying large quantities of food that disappear immediately.
  • Regularly going to the bathroom immediately after meals.
  • Throwing away packages of laxatives, diet pills, emetics (drugs that cause vomiting), or diuretics.
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    Bulimia treatment:

    People with bulimia rarely need hospitalization unless they: have anorexia; have major depression; or need medication to help them stop purging. A step-by-step approach is often used for patients with bulimia. This treatment method depends on the severity of the bulimia and the individual's response to treatment: Support groups may be helpful for patients with mild cases who have no other health problems. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and nutritional therapy are the first-line treatments for bulimia that does not respond to support groups. Antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used for bulimia. A combination of CBT and SSRIs is very effective if CBT alone is ineffective. Patients may drop out of programs if they have unrealistic expectations of being cured by therapy alone. Before a program begins, you should know the following: It will likely take many therapies to overcome this difficult disorder. It is common for bulimia to recur (relapse), and this is not a cause for despair. The process is painful, and you and your family will need to make a great effort.

    Possible complications of bulimia:

    Bulimia can be dangerous and lead to serious complications over time. For example, frequent vomiting leaves stomach acid in the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach), which can cause permanent damage. Possible complications include: Constipation, Dehydration, Tooth decay, Electrolyte imbalances, Hemorrhoids, Pancreatitis, Sore throat, and Esophageal ruptures due to excessive vomiting.

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