Bulimia Nervosa Treatment
What Is Bulimia Nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating and compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting designed, restricting food intake later in the day or the following day, and/or engaging in exercise with the intention to undo or compensate for the effects of binge eating. Bulimia can easily go unnoticed by others as the behaviors associated with it are often done in secret and may not have as obvious physical consequences as some other eating disorders. Weight is not always a good indicator of the severity of an eating disorder, especially since many people who struggle with bulimia are within a normalized weight range. Bulimia’s impact on health can be significant. However, bulimia recovery is possible with support through treatment.
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Bulimia Symptons and Warning Signs
- Regular intake of large amounts of food accompanied by a sense of loss of control over eating behaviors
- Regular use of inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, laxative or diuretic misuse, fasting, and/or obsessive or compulsive exercise
- Excessive concern with body weight and shape
- Evidence of binge eating, including the disappearance of large amounts of food in short periods of time or finding wrappers and containers indicating the consumption of large amounts of food
- Evidence of purging behaviors, including frequent trips to the bathroom after meals, signs and/or smells of vomiting, presence of wrappers or packages of laxatives or diuretics
- Excessive, rigid exercise regimen, despite weather, fatigue, illness, or injury
- Unusual swelling of the cheeks or jaw area
- Calluses on the back of the hands and knuckles from self-induced vomiting
- Discoloration or staining of the teeth
- Creation of lifestyle schedules or rituals to make time for binge-and-purge sessions
- Withdrawal from usual friends and activities
Overview of Bulimia Nervosa
Health Consequences of Bulimia Nervosa
Recurrent binge-and-purge cycles can lead to major bulimia health risks including damage to the digestive system as well as electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions. Some of the consequences of bulimia nervosa include:
- Electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and even death
- Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing
- Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting
- Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative misuse
- Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
Due to the severity of the consequences of bulimia, experts have found that prompt and intensive multidisciplinary treatment significantly improves the chances of recovery. Therefore, it’s vital to be aware of the warning signs and seek help at an eating disorder treatment center like Shoreline to address the psychological, dietary, and medical components of the disorder.
Bulimia Recovery At Shoreline
Our Bulimia Treatment Programs
