Nowadays, eating disorders affect many women and young girls. One such disorder is Bulimia Nervosa. Bulimia is not found in third-world countries where food is scarce and hunger prevails. It appears in societies with an abundance of food, within a framework of conflicting pressures—on the one hand, the pressure to overconsume, and on the other, the pressure to be thin in order to be worthy of love and recognition.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia Nervosa (commonly known as bulimia) is an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating involving foods that are typically considered “fattening” and therefore “forbidden” for someone desperately trying to control their weight. During such episodes, individuals may consume cookies, chocolates, bowls of cereal, large amounts of buttered toast, chips, cakes, cups of ice cream, and more.
The individual continues eating uncontrollably until their urge passes, their anxiety subsides, a sense of fullness is reached (often to the point of pain), or until someone interrupts them. In most cases, they do not enjoy the food nor taste it, as it is consumed rapidly. Binge episodes are accompanied by negative emotions such as intense anxiety, guilt, shame, and regret.
Following a binge, the person often attempts to rid themselves of the consumed calories by inducing vomiting, using laxatives, or engaging in excessive exercise and fasting for several days. In severe cases, a person may consume such vast quantities of food that it causes stomach rupture. Repeated vomiting can also lead to a chemical imbalance that may result in death.
The Physical and Psychological Consequences of Bulimia
Frequent vomiting disrupts the body’s chemical balance, especially essential substances such as electrolytes needed for proper heart function. Potassium levels may drop due to vomiting and laxative use, leading to dehydration and irreversible damage to the heart, kidneys, and brain.
Fatigue, depression, muscle pain, fainting, sensitivity to cold, and an increased tendency to gain weight are all results of blood sugar fluctuations caused by repeated bingeing on simple carbohydrates (e.g., sugar and sweets).
Other physical consequences of Bulimia Nervosa include:
- Irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, which in extreme cases can lead to death
- Swelling of the salivary glands
- Erosion of tooth enamel
- Sore throat from frequent vomiting
- Severe oesophageal bleeding caused by vomiting or the methods used to induce it (e.g., fingers)
- Stomach disorders
- Chronic bloating, constipation, and prolonged diarrhoea even after stopping the use of laxatives
It’s important to note that laxatives do not prevent the absorption of calories consumed during a binge—something many individuals with bulimia are unaware of.
Recognizing the Signs of Bulimia
Due to the secretive nature of bulimia, the condition often goes unnoticed. However, certain signs can help you identify it:
- Disappearing into the bathroom for long periods after meals, often turning on the tap or music to mask sounds
- Unusual nighttime behaviour, such as staying up late to visit the kitchen after everyone else is asleep, or taking sudden walks or drives
- Large quantities of food mysteriously disappearing from the house
- Frequent binge eating without corresponding weight gain
- Unexplained weight fluctuations or a noticeably bloated face
- Food wrappers (e.g., chocolate or cookie packaging) hidden behind cushions or under beds
- Unexplained irritability or mood swings
Effective Treatment for Bulimia Nervosa
Unlike individuals with Anorexia Nervosa, those with Bulimia are generally more open to receiving treatment due to the intense guilt and remorse they feel over the damage they’re doing to themselves. They are often aware of the severity of the issue and may seek help from doctors or dietitians—though this assistance alone is not sufficient for recovery.
Bulimia always begins with psychological causes. The individual experiences suppressed emotions that they are unable to manage in healthier ways, turning to bulimia as a coping mechanism. Additionally, they often carry negative thoughts, distorted beliefs, and problematic attitudes about food, metabolism, and body image.
To recover from Bulimia Nervosa, one must first receive appropriate psychological intervention to promote the development of healthy behaviours and habits regarding food and body image.
What to Do if Your Teenage Daughter Has Bulimia Nervosa
- Encourage her to seek help from a qualified psychologist or psychotherapist who specializes in eating disorders.
- Stay by her side once she enters therapy and offer emotional support.
- Listen when she wants to talk, and share your thoughts and feelings with her.
- Remove triggers from the environment: get rid of the bathroom scale, diet books, and calorie counters.
- Be mindful of the food you bring into the home. Avoid stocking large amounts of sweets or chocolates “for the rest of the family.”
- Avoid imposing food restrictions at home, which could worsen the issue.
- Seek professional guidance if needed to find the right balance in the home.
Recovery is possible, and with the right support and professional care, healing can begin
