Bulimia is an eating disorder that causes binge eating and vomiting. You can read more about it here.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia is one of the eating disorders and is also called “bulimia nervosa” or “binge eating”. Bulimia nervosa is a disorder that causes sudden cravings and binge eating, with people eating large amounts of food. People who are affected have the feeling that they cannot stop eating. They lose control over “what” and “how much” they eat. Everything that falls into one’s hands is eaten. After these attacks, affected girls and boys often suffer from feelings of guilt. They feel ashamed of their loss of control. But other feelings such as fear and panic about gaining weight are also particularly strong during this phase. In order to “make up” for the binge eating, they try everything to get what they have just devoured out of their bodies again. Vomiting is a frequently used method, but also the abuse of laxatives or an extreme amount of exercise are supposed to help get rid of what has been eaten.
How does bulimia develop?
Several causes often play a role in its development.
As with other eating disorders, it often starts with dieting. Eating little or “forbidding” oneself certain foods can lead to ravenous appetite and an “eating attack”, over which one then loses control.
Society’s ideas of what is “beautiful” and “ideal” also play a big role. The perfect and overworked images of thin people in magazines, social media, videos or films can also put a lot of pressure on you and make you want to be that way.
Stressful life circumstances can also play a role in the development of an eating disorder, e.g. stressful events at home, experiences of violence or bullying at school.
Bulimia can also be more common in families where family members already have an eating disorder or problematic eating behaviour. If there are high expectations of thinness and figure in the family, this can also have an unfavourable effect.
Dissatisfaction with one’s own body can also be intensified by personal characteristics. For example, if you generally have high expectations of yourself or the feeling that you have to please others. But self-doubt and a desire for recognition and affection can also contribute.
TIP:
Dissatisfaction with your figure and a fear of gaining weight usually has more to do than just your weight. If you are affected and notice that your thoughts only revolve around food, this is probably not pleasant and you may also feel unhappy at times. It can really help you to get help and deal with the issue. We are happy to be there for you in our counselling services!
In contrast to anorexia (anorexia nervosa), people with bulimia are usually of normal weight, while people with anorexia are severely underweight.
There are also so-called “mixed forms” of eating disorders, which means that there are people who show typical symptoms or behaviours of both anorexia and bulimia at the same time.
Sometimes bulimia occurs together with other mental illnesses, e.g. anxiety disorders, depression, addictions (alcohol, nicotine, drugs) or personality disorders.
Consequences of bulimia
Bulimia can have effects on the body and mental health:
Physical consequences of bulimia
- Cardiac arrhythmias and heart muscle weakness: Vomiting or the use of laxatives or measures lowers the level of important minerals (electrolytes) in the body. This can also lead to life-threatening heart problems.
- Kidney function disorders: The loss of fluid in the body due to vomiting and laxative measures can damage the kidneys, in extreme cases to the point of kidney failure.
- Bone loss (osteoporosis)
- Hormone disorders and menstrual irregularities
- Inflammation of the esophagus and tears in the esophageal wall due to vomiting
- Stomach ulcers and stomach tears
- Tooth damage: The teeth are attacked by stomach acid during vomiting.
- Digestive problems
- Enlargement of the parotid glands due to ingestion of large amounts of food and vomiting. After some time, this also leads to a change in the shape of the face and so-called “hamster cheeks” develop.
Psychological consequences of bulimia
- Dissatisfaction
- Feelings of shame, guilt, e.g. because of eating large amounts of food or vomiting
- Sadness, mood swings, depression
- Self-doubt
- Constant mental preoccupation with the topics of food, weight, figure
- Loss of interests
- Fears: e.g. fear of gaining weight, fear of other people finding out about the bulimia
- Hunger and satiety may no longer be perceived so well
- Difficulty concentrating
Effects of bulimia on relationships
Bulimic illness is often hidden from other people. Keeping it a secret can make you feel less close to others or more alone. The inner compulsion to constantly obsess about food and figure can also make you spend less time with friends or family, or withdraw.
Help for bulimia
There are different kinds of help available for bulimia nervosa. Any physical consequences or problems should always be discussed with a doctor. For the treatment of eating disorders, there are counselling centres, outpatient or inpatient help at clinics or psychotherapy with psychotherapists in private practice.
Helping someone else with bulimia
What can you do if someone confides in you that they have bulimia?
It is certainly not easy for people with bulimia to confide in someone, because many suffer from feelings of shame and bulimia is also associated with fears. If someone confides in you, an important step has been taken because they have decided not to remain alone with their feelings and worries. Listening and simply being there is certainly good for those affected. You don’t have to put pressure on yourself or the other person or give them advice about the eating disorder. However, you could tell the person that you are worried, e.g. that you notice that they are not well, that you have the feeling that they are unhappy or that you are worried about the possible effects on their physical health. It may also be appropriate to ask if she would like to go to a counselling center (anonymously) for help. We are also happy to discuss with you how you can support someone in our counselling services!
For further help and support — Speak with a licensed therapist today.