Bulimia nervosa is characterized by recurrent eating beyond need or in other words compulsive eating habits with a large amount of food, which is termed as binging. This can be followed by purging which means inappropriate compensation for overeating, which can take in any form such as vomiting.
Symptoms:
- Being frightened of gaining weight
- Feeling loss of control during bingeing
- Forcing to vomit after overeating
- Fasting or restricting calories intentionally
- Being concerned with body shape all the time
- Using laxatives even if it is not prescribed
- Using different herbal products (that in not healthy) or any dietary supplements to weight loss excessively
The symptoms often last for at least once/week for 3 months. The only differentiating factor between anorexia nervosa and bulimia is weight. Patient with bulimia may have normal weight or can be overweight, whereas the patient with anorexia nervosa is always underweight.
Onset of occurrence:
Usually during adolescence but it can vary. It occurs during puberty while teens are exploring their personality, and their bodies are changing.
Causes:
Evidence suggests different factors for Bulimia nervosa that include-
- Genetics
- Low self esteem
- Well exposure to social media
- Athletes, dancers, models, wrestler: more focused on weight
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Substance abuse
Complications:
Bulimia nervosa may result into several complications that includes hypotension, tachycardia, muscle weakness, Diabetes mellitus, irregular menstruation and sometimes even death (in severe cases).
Management:
1. Family support: It is important to mobilize family members to make them aware of the symptoms. Family members can talk to the patient without being judgmental. Sometimes it can happen while abusing substances, in that case, you can throw those substances out of your home and get expert support.
2. Self-care:
- Try to stay away from social media as much as possible especially from the negative vibes.
- In case of any stress or personal problems that are unbearable, immediately reach out to someone who would listen to you or take counseling.
- Take nutritional food.
- Stay hydrated.
- Be positive and confident.
2. Nutritional treatment and weight management: It would be better to consult a dietician and follow the diet strictly to manage weight.
3. Expert support: Often psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy work and it is really important to seek support from mental health experts and doctors for an effective treatment plan.
Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder and if we find anyone with the same symptoms it is really important to support them to ensure a better quality of life. Early diagnosis and management often help to prevent severe disease outcomes and ensure a healthy life.
Written by
Dr. Nishat Tasnim, M.B.B.S. Intern, WSIF
