Eating disorders can present in various ways for different people. As no two people are alike, the same is similar to how disordered eating can show up for each individual. There are larger categories of eating disorders that help us identify patterns of behavior, feelings, and ways of coping that are helpful in giving the person the specific help that they need. One of the more common types of eating disorders is Bulimia Nervosa. Bulimia is a type of eating disorder that is often characterized by a cycle of eating that alternates between eating larger amounts of food in one sitting paired with trying to purge the food that was recently eaten. Bulimia is a very serious and potentially life threatening disorder if left untreated. As with other eating disorders, Bulimia is described as a psychological disorder with physical side effects. With this, it is crucial to not lose sight of the mental discomfort, distress, and impairment this disorder brings to the individual.
What Does Bulimia Look Like?
The overall general cycle of Bulimia typically involves a pattern of binging behaviors, which is often described as eating a high quantity of food in one sitting. This is frequently accompanied by a feeling of being out of control while eating and an inability to stop eating once the binge has begun. This then leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and an urgent desire to regain control. From here, the individual will typically act on purging behaviors such as vomiting, extreme exercise, or laxative abuse. Purging behaviors are acted on in order to counteract the binging behaviors the individual recently engaged in. Between the cycles of binging and purging, the individual may resort to restricting their food or will eat normally. This cycle is often used as a way to cope with outside stressors, trauma, or difficult life events. It is important to note that there can be both binging and purging behaviors in other types of disordered eating as well. Anorexia Nervosa, which is often hallmarked by extreme food restriction can also include both binging and purging at points during their active eating disorder. Binge eating disorder is also primarily categorized by bouts of binge eating without the purging behaviors present. Another aspect of Bulimia that is common across other types of eating disorders is the highly distorted sense of physical self (often referred to as body dysmorphia) along with low self-esteem and a preoccupation with weight and physical size. There is no single type of person that fits Bulimia, as anyone regardless of physical appearance, age, or gender can struggle with an eating disorder.
Signs of Bulimia Nervosa
At times, it can be difficult to know that a loved one is struggling with Bulimia. Many of the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings are done in secret; it is not uncommon for an individual to lie or withhold information to protect the secrecy of their eating disorder. If you think a loved one may be struggling with Bulimia, here are some signs to look for:
- Preoccupation with weight, appearance, and an overall aversion to weight gain
- Low-self esteem and a distorted view of their physical self (i.e. They may make comments that seem incongruent with how others see them, make frequent negative comments about their body, and talk often about wanting to lose weight)
- Eating larger amounts of food in one sitting and then excusing themselves to the bathroom or wanting to be alone soon after eating
- Avoiding wanting to eat around others overall
- Issues with teeth and gums (i.e. tooth decay, cavities, &/or damage to mouth area). This is often due to purging behaviors that involve vomiting
- Bruising, abraisions, or physical marks on knuckles, hands, or other body parts due to purging behaviors
- Face and neck swelling due to frequent purging or physical issues related to bowel movement
Affects of Bulimia Nervosa
The impact of untreated Bulimia can be potentially life threatening and dangerous due to the physical side effects of the disorder. Physical complications due to untreated Bulimia can result in lasting damage to one’s mouth and teeth, heart complications, irregular menstrual cycles, and other physical side effects. Psychologically, Bulimia can be accompanied by feelings of anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, and suicidal ideation. If not treated, there are lasting psychological and mental implications as well. Oftentimes, there is another reason for the binge eating and purging behaviors that are perpetuating the symptoms. Understanding what leads to these behaviors and experiencing overall healing is incredibly important. It is crucial to reach out for help if you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms related to Bulimia. Beginning therapy is a big step, but vital in Bulimia recovery. Through therapy, you can learn ways to move forward with confidence, implement more helpful methods to cope, and find freedom from your eating disorder. You can find more information about Bulimia recovery and how to schedule an appointment, you can visit our Contact Page.