Eating Disorders: Bulimia Nervosa

Destroying Their Bodies One Pound at a Time

Eating disorders are serious, life-threatening conditions. They can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health, relationships, and productivity. According to The National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, thirty million people in the United States suffer from some form of an eating disorder and ninety-five percent of people with eating disorders are between the ages of twelve and twenty-five (ANAD, 2015). There are different types of eating disorders, but they all have the same underlying problem. They are all mental disorders, and it is clear that people that suffer from them do not know how to handle their emotions in a healthy way. This issue is only getting

They often experience feelings of self-disgust or shame. They will go on extreme binges, taking in 3,000-5,000 calories in just an hour. After that, they often feel guilty and will then go to drastic measures to “undo” the binge. They will induce vomiting, misuse laxatives, diuretics or enamas, or engage in excessive exercise. Bingeing and purging is a vicious cycle that takes a toll on your body. Individuals that purge will often have calluses or scars on their knuckles or hands as a sign of repeatedly sticking their fingers down their throat to induce vomiting, puffy cheeks due to vomiting, and discolored teeth as a result of the exposure to stomach acid. Unlike individuals suffering from Anorexia, Bulimics are typically at a normal weight or slightly overweight. Because they are often a normal weight, this type of eating disorder can be more difficult to detect. Some of the signs and symptoms are lack of control over eating, they will often eat until they feel physical pain or discomfort, going to the bathroom directly after eating, or eating large amounts of food with no obvious change in weight. Their weight can fluctuate by ten pounds or more due to purging and bingeing. Some of the effects of purging include dehydration, chronic sore throat, kidney problems, swelling of hands and feet, dizziness, and acid reflux or stomach ulcers. Preventing an eating disorder is more effective than curing it, so knowing the signs and symptoms is very important. Just like people suffering from any other eating disorder, there is not a single cause for this. It is a very complex emotional issue involving concerns about weight and body image, low-self esteem, history of trauma and abuse, or major life changes. Another contributor to this is a profession or activity that requires