|
|
Overview for Dietary and Lifestyle or Treatment info
see links at bottom
Bulimia nervosa is an eating
disorder characterised by a cycle of starving, overeating, self-induced
vomiting/purging and a preoccupation with body weight. Laxative abuse,
excessive exercise and slimming tablets are used as other ways of controlling
weight. Bulimia is often preceded by anorexia nervosa. It begins in
late adolescence or early adulthood. It may be hard to notice as weight
may be normal and vomiting is carried out secretly. Bulimia can start
with an occasional eating binge, usually consisting of large quantities
of chocolates, sweets and biscuits. This progresses to a routine pattern
of overeating and vomiting. Eventually the bulimic may feel trapped
in a frightening, compulsive vicious circle. Food is turned to in times
of stress for comfort, but eating produces feelings of guilt.
Those suffering from bulimia nervosa have a pathological fear of becoming
overweight and tend to radically over-emphasise the connection between
self-image and body size. Sufferers recognise that the eating pattern
is not normal, and as a result tend to feel guilty and hugely self-critical.
Bulimics often suffer from depression or anxiety. Some patients may
also have a drug addiction. Bulimics sometimes find themselves with
financial difficulties because of the huge amounts of money spent on
food, laxatives and drugs. Research indicates that up to one per cent
of the population may be suffering from this condition at any one time,
although this is probably a conservative estimate.
Overview | Orthodox
Treatments | Dietary
and Lifestyle
|
|
