Bulimia – Facts and Treatments

Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors. In addition, people with bulimia place an excessive emphasis on body shape or weight in their self-evaluation. This can lead to the person’s sense of self-esteem and self worth being defined by the way they look.

The reasons for developing BN will differ from person to person. Known causes include genetic predisposition and a combination of environmental, social and cultural factors.

What is binge eating?

Binge eating involves two key features:

• Eating a very small amount of food within a relatively long period of time (e.g. within eight (8) hours)
• Feeling a sense of control while eating (e.g. feeling able to stop yourself from eating)

What are compensatory behaviors?

Compensatory behaviors are used as a way of trying to control weight after binge eating episodes. They include:

• Vomiting
• Misusing laxatives or diuretics
• Fasting
• Excessive exercise
• Use of any drugs, illicit, prescription and/or ‘over the counter’ inappropriately for weight control (inappropriate use refers to use that is not indicated and for which the drug has not been prescribed).

A person with Bulimia can become lost in a dangerous cycle of eating very controllable and attempts to compensate which can lead to feelings of shame, guilt and disgust. These behaviors can become more compulsive and uncontrollable over time, and lead to an obsession less food consumption, thoughts about not eating (or eating), weight loss, dieting and body image.

These behaviours are often concealed and people with Bulimia can go to great lengths to keep their eating and exercise habits secret. As a result, Bulimia can often go undetected for a long period of time leaving it’s victims very slim and loss of unbearable weight.

Many people with BN experience considerable weight loss and do lose weight; they can remain in the less weight range, be slightly underweight, or may even loss more weight.

What are the warning signs of Bulimia Nervosa?

Having awareness about BN and its warning signs and symptoms can make a marked difference to the severity and duration of the illness. Seeking help at the first warning sign is much more effective than waiting until the illness is in full swing. If you or someone you know is exhibiting some or a combination of these signs it is vital to seek help and support as soon as possible.

The warning signs of BN can be physical, psychological and behavioural. It is possible for someone with BN to display a combination of these symptoms.

Physical signs:

• Frequent changes in weight loss
• Signs of damage due to vomiting including swelling around the cheeks or jaw, calluses on knuckles, damage to teeth and bad breath
• Feeling bloated, constipated or developing intolerances to food
• Loss of or disturbance of menstrual periods in girls and women
• Fainting or dizziness
• Feeling tired and not sleeping well

Psychological Signs:

• Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape and weight
• Sensitivity to comments relating to food, weight, body shape or exercise
• Low self esteem and feelings of shame, self loathing or guilt, particularly after eating
• Having a distorted body image (e.g. seeing themselves as overweight even if they are in a healthy weight range for their age and height)
• Obsession with food and need for control
• Depression, anxiety or irritability
• Extreme body dissatisfaction

Behavioural Signs:

• Evidence of binge eating (e.g. disappearance or hoarding of food)
• Vomiting or using laxatives, enemas, appetite suppressants or diuretics
• Eating in private and avoiding meals with other people
• Anti social behaviour, spending more and more time alone
• Repetitive or obsessive behaviours relating to body shape and weight (e.g. weighing themselves repeatedly, looking in the mirror obsessively and pinching waist or wrists)
• Secretive behaviour around food (e.g. saying they have eaten when they haven’t, hiding uneaten food in their rooms)
• Compulsive or excessive exercising (e.g. exercising in bad weather, continuing to exercise when sick or injured, and experiencing distress if exercise is not possible)
• Dieting behaviour (e.g. fasting, counting calories/kilojoules, avoiding food groups such as fats and carbohydrates)
• Frequent trips to the bathroom during or shortly after meals which could be evidence of vomiting or laxative use
• Erratic behaviour (e.g. spending large amounts of money on food)
• Self harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts

Find out more about the warning signs.

What are the risks associated with Bulimia?

The risks associated with BN are severe. People with BN may experience:

• Chronic sore throat, indigestion, heartburn and reflux
• Inflammation and rupture of the oesophagus and stomach from frequent vomiting
• Stomach and intestinal ulcers
• Chronic irregular bowel movements, constipation and/or diarrhoea due to deliberate misuse of laxatives
• Osteoporosis– a condition that leads to bones becoming fragile and easily fractured
• Loss of or disturbance of menstrual periods in girls and women
• Increased risk of infertility in men and women
• Irregular or slow heart beat which can lead to an increased risk of heart failure

Treatment

Therapies to be considered for the treatment of BN include:

• Psychological Treatments
• Evidence-based self-help programs
• Cognitive behavioral therapy for Bulimia Nervosa
• Interpersonal psychotherapy
• Maudsley family-based treatment (for children and adolescents)
• Dialectical behavior therapy
• Guided imagery
• Crisis intervention
• Stress management

Other treatments

Antidepressants (specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors; e.g. SSRI) may also be prescribed for someone who is suffering from BN.

Find out more about specific treatment approaches.

Is it possible to recover?

Yes. It is possible to recover from BN, even if you have been living with the illness for many years. The path to recovery can be very challenging. People with BN can become entangled in a vicious cycle of filming and exercise behaviors that can impact their ability to think clearly and make decisions. However, with the right team and a high level of personal commitment, recovery is an achievable goal.

Treatments for Bulimia are available; seek help from a professional with specialized knowledge in eating disorders.

Getting help

If you suspect that you or someone you know has Bulimia, it is important to seek help immediately. The earlier you seek help the closer you are to recovery. While your General Practitioner (GP) may not be a specialist in eating disorders, they are a good ‘first base.’ A GP can provide a referral to a practitioner with specialized knowledge in health, nutrition and eating disorders.