Bulimia nervosa, typically just called bulimia, is a type of
eating disorder. Someone with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time (this is called bingeing) and then purges in an attempt to not gain weight. Purging might be done in the following ways:
- Making oneself throw up
- Taking laxatives, pills, or liquids that increase how fast food moves through the body.
A person with bulimia may also use these ways to prevent weight gain:
- Exercising a lot
- Eating very little or not at all
- Taking pills to pass urine.
Bulimia is more than just a problem with food. Purging and other behaviors to prevent weight gain are ways for people with bulimia to feel more in control of their lives and to ease stress and
anxiety. While there is no single known cause of bulimia, many things may play a role in its development:
- Biology. There are studies being done to look at genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain that may have an effect on the development of, and recovery from, bulimia.
- Culture. Some cultures in the United States have an ideal of extreme thinness. Some women may even define how beautiful they are based on how thin they are.
- Personal feelings. Someone with bulimia may feel badly about herself, feel helpless, and hate the way she looks.
- Stressful events or life changes. Things like starting a new school or job, being teased, or experiencing traumatic events like rape can lead to the onset of bulimia.
- Families. The attitude of parents about appearance and diet affects their children. Also, a person is more likely to develop bulimia if a mother or sister has it.
(Click Bulimia Causes for more information on this topic.)
Health Consequences of Bulimia
Bulimia can be very harmful to the body.
Different types of therapy have worked to help people with bulimia. This may include individual, group, and family therapy. A class of medicines also used for the treatment of
depression has been effective when used in conjunction with therapy. These medicines change the way certain chemicals work in the brain.
Bulimia can cause problems with a woman's period. She may not get it every 4 weeks, or it may stop altogether. However, researchers don't think this affects a woman's chances of getting pregnant after she recovers from the condition.
If a woman with active bulimia gets pregnant, these problems may result:
- Miscarriage
- High blood pressure in the mother
- Baby isn't born alive (stillborn)
- Low birth weight
- Low Apgar score (tests done after birth to make sure the baby is healthy)
- During the delivery, baby may come out feet- or buttocks-first
- Birth by C-section
- Premature birth
- Depression in the mother after the baby is born.
Helping Someone With Bulimia
If you know someone with bulimia, you can help:
- Set a time to talk. Set aside a time to talk privately about your concerns with your friend. Be open and honest. Make sure you talk in a place away from distractions.
- Tell your friend about your concerns. Tell your friend about specific times when you were worried about her eating or exercise behaviors. Explain that you think these things may show a problem that needs professional help.
- Ask your friend to talk about these concerns. Your friend could talk to a counselor or doctor who knows about eating disorders. If you feel comfortable, offer to help make an appointment or go with your friend to the appointment.
- Avoid conflicts or a battle of the wills with your friend. If your friend doesn't admit to a problem, repeat your feelings and the reasons for them. Be a supportive listener.
- Don't place shame, blame, or guilt on your friend. Do not use accusatory statements like, "You just need to eat," or "You are acting irresponsibly." Instead, use statements like, "I'm concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch," or "It makes me afraid to hear you vomiting."
- Avoid giving simple solutions. Don't say, "If you'd just stop, then everything would be fine!"
- Express your continued support. Remind your friend that you care and want her to be healthy and happy.
