Bulimia
By: Allie
What is Bulimia and What Causes It?
Contrary to popular belief, bulimia is not a lifestyle choice, but rather a serious, and potentially fatal, eating disorder. Bulimia is believed to be caused by:
- genetics
- family behaviors
- social values
- character traits, like perfectionism
- a family history of bulimia
- stressful events
- an unhealthy attitude toward eating and body images
- low self-esteem
- history of trauma or abuse
- major life changes
- appearance-oriented professions or hobbies
- and trouble managing emotions
Who Does It Affect the Most and Who is the Most Susceptible?
Anyone can be bulimic, but bulimic tendencies mostly occur in young white females, particularly teens and young adults, of a fairly high socioeconomic class. Models, dancers, gymnasts, wrestlers, distance runners, and others that may be seeking thinness because of a profession, interest, or hobby are usually most likely to give in to bulimia.
The Two Types of Bulimia
An unknown fact about bulimia is that it's more than just throwing up. There are actually two types of bulimia: purging and non-purging. Purging is when you binge eat and then regularly vomit, misuse laxatives, diuretics, or emenas to lose the weight. Non-purging is when the calories from binging are burned off in another way, such as: excessive exercise, fasting or strict dieting.
Side Effects
Some Side Effects of Bulimia Include
- sore throat
- tooth decay
- facial swelling
- bloody vomit
- scarred hands
- dry skin
- hemorrhoids
- feeling faint
- red eyes
- trouble conceiving
- complications with childbirth
- heightened depression, anxiety, and irritability
- social isolation
- sleep loss
- broken relationships
- loss of spiritual connections
- withdrawal from school/college
- job loss
- bankruptcy
- internal bleeding
- drug or alcohol addiction
- suicide
- self injuries
- heart attack
- death
How is Bulimia Cured
- psychological counseling with the steps listed below
-changing unhealthy thoughts and patterns
-solving emotional issues
- could need antidepressants
- possible time at the hospital