Recognizing the Symptoms of Bulimia

signs and symptoms of bulimia

Bulimia Nervosa is one of the most widespread eating dysfunctions prevalent in modern society. Even so, in order to comprehend what Bulimia actually is, it is important to initially distinguish Bulimia from a different well known eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa. Bulimia usually involves eating too much food, while Anorexia is a syndrome that involves drastic weight loss; to a life threathening level; with anorexia a person simply does not eat sufficient nourishment, or they might go days upon days without ever eating much at all.

Thus, Anorexia is different from Bulimia. Bulima Nervosa is a condition in which a person will usually binge and purge on large quantities of food. For example, they may go for a period without eating, and then binge on a lot of food in one sitting. Usually they will eat a high carb diet, often with sweets and other "forbidden" food. However once they binge, they force themselves to vomit the food. This is often accomplished, at least initially, by sticking their fingers down their throat. Eventually the purging habit can become so second nature that it becomes automatic, or responds to simply the intention to vomit.

Bulimia is a very serious syndrome and it is important to recognize the different signs and symptoms of Bulimia - the features that a person who has Bulimia may exhibit. In order to qualify for the diagnosis of Bulimia, it has to occur separate from any Anorexia, and involve two binge and purge episodes in a week. over three months. New Diagnostic criteria will be coming out next year that will require only one episode per week.

While purging through vomiting or laxatives is the most common form, other compensatory methods also are used by some bulimics. One possibility is the use of diuretics, and another is crash diets and fasting. Many bulimics also will exercise vigorously in such intensity and to such an extreme amount as to effectively counter the large quantity of calories consumed.

One of the most noteworthy signs that a person is bulimic is that they may seem to become very secretive about their food and eating habits. For example, they may decline to join others for dinner, or agree to eat with family and friends at restaurant. Instead, they may prefer to eat on their own, or eat only a small amount with others, only to binge later in private. Another indication that a person may be bulimic is that they usually spend time in the bathroom following a meal.

While a bulimic may also work out excessively or be use laxatives as a way to help them get rid of the food and calories, they will typically prefer to exercise alone as well. By recognizing the signs and symptoms of Bulimia, it is possible to get timely and proper treatment, from someone who specializes in treatment of eating disorders.

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