Bulimia nervosa is a severe eating disorder that affects millions of people each year. It is one of the most common eating disorders and can be very dangerous if left untreated. Bulimia can cause physical and emotional problems, so it is essential to get help if you think you might have bulimia. It is possible to recover from bulimia with the proper treatment.
A study shows that bulimia accounts for about 30% of all cases out of all the eating disorder cases. Researchers have also found that women are more likely to be affected by bulimia than men (about 80-90%). Many resources are available to help you get started, including professional counseling and support groups. Don't wait to get help -bulimia can be deadly if left untreated.
Causes of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is an eating disorder, which centers around food and weight. Some of the causes of bulimia include:
- Genetics - Bulimia nervosa can be caused by someone's genes, which means it may be something you're born with. If your mother or sister has bulimia, or if other members of your family have eating disorders, then you are more likely to get bulimia. It is possible that if someone in your family has one eating disorder, such as anorexia nervosa, you could get bulimia instead.
- Childhood Abuse or Neglect - If you were abused or neglected as a child, then there is a possibility that you could develop bulimia. Some of the most common forms of childhood abuse include physical and sexual abuse.
- Being Bullied or Peer Pressured - As a child, you may have faced bullying for your weight or appearance. This can cause lasting psychological damage that leads to bulimia as an adult. You might also be pressured by friends to lose weight. If they disapprove of your weight, you may try to lose weight and end up with bulimia.
- Stressful Life Events - Many people eat as a way to cope with stress or anxiety. This can lead to problems such as binge eating or bulimia. If you feel like your life is out of control, and there's nothing you can do about it, you might try to gain control of food. This can lead to an eating disorder such as bulimia.
Potential Complications of Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia is one of the most severe eating disorders, so it is essential to get help if you think you might have bulimia. The longer you wait to seek treatment, the worse your symptoms may become. If left untreated, the potential complications of bulimia include:
- Chronic Diarrhea - This can be caused by frequent vomiting. It can also lead to dehydration and malnutrition. You experience chronic diarrhea if you have at least two loose bowel movements a day for three consecutive months.
- Infertility & Reproductive Problems - Bulimia can cause reproductive problems such as infertility in women. This may occur if a woman vomits or uses laxatives to control her weight, affecting the reproductive system's proper functioning. Bulimia can also lead to other reproductive problems such as miscarriage and stillbirths. It is essential for women with bulimia to get proper treatment, such as counseling.
- Stomach Problems - If you frequently vomit, then there's a possibility that your stomach muscles will become damaged and no longer work properly. This can lead to problems such as acid reflux, which is very uncomfortable and sometimes painful. If this happens, you should see a doctor immediately.
Getting Treatment
Many resources are available to help you get started. When you have bulimia, it is essential to get professional treatment. It would be best to work with a trained mental health counselor or therapist who knows how to help people recover from eating disorders such as bulimia. A good therapist will use many different treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Even if you don't have a therapist, there are many other options for support, including professional counseling and support groups.
Some people with bulimia benefit from taking anti-depressants or medications to reduce their anxiety. These medications can help you control the cravings you have for food and decrease your stress levels. The sooner you get treatment for bulimia, the better.
The best way to overcome bulimia is through therapy and medication. However, you can also improve your symptoms by changing your eating habits. If you have bulimia, you should follow a healthy nutritional plan that includes three meals a day and snacks in between meals. Avoid sugary snacks and anything that might trigger your cravings for food like alcohol, coffee or drugs.