Bulimia Nervosa – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

What is bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa is a common eating disorder, and it is linked to mental health conditions that can be life-threatening.

In most cases, people with eating disorders will be obsessed with the foods they eat. This can harm their health and lead to unwanted complications. People tend to consume large amounts of food in a short period of time.

A main characteristic of bulimia nervosa is people tend to binge eat, and they try to get rid of the calories gained in an unhealthy way.

What does it affect?

Bulimia nervosa mostly affects females when compared to males. The eating disorder can develop during early adulthood or adolescence. However, it can affect anyone of all ages. Research states that about 1 to 2 per cent of people will experience bulimia every year.

Symptoms of bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is hard to spot during the initial days. It can be defined by a pattern of eating habits listed below.

• Consuming large amounts of food in a short span of time.
• Trying to reduce the consumed calories in an unhealthy way, like puking or taking laxatives.
• Taking water pills or consuming very little food.
• Fasting and aggressively exercising.
• Intense fear of gaining weight due to consumption of food.
• Depression and anxiety.
• Having a feeling of guilt and shame about eating.
• Withdrawal from the social group like friends.
• Always having a fear of gaining weight.
• Excessive use of herbal and dietary supplements for weight loss.

Physical symptoms of bulimia nervosa include

• Gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux and constipation.
• Fainting due to not consuming proper foods.
• Muscle weakness.
• Dehydration.
• Irregular menstrual periods.
• Bloodshot eyes.
• Swollen cheeks and jaws.

Causes of bulimia nervosa

The cause of bulimia nervosa is unknown. Scientists and doctors think it can be caused due to learned behaviours or genetics, or a combination of both. However, if your first-degree relative is affected by bulimia nervosa, then you are at a higher risk of developing the eating disorder.

Some report state that due to social pressure that only a certain body type is beautiful, people tend to consume less food or restrict themselves from eating. These types of influences can affect self-esteem and body image.  

Diagnosis of bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa diagnosis is usually done with a physical examination. The healthcare professional will also enquire about the medical history and symptoms. There are no specific tests to diagnose bulimia nervosa. Some of the commonly used tests to check for health issues include

• Urinalysis
• Blood test
• Electrocardiogram
• Kidney function test

Treatment of bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa treatment will depend on the cause of the disorder. It will treat psychological causes and physical causes.

The aspect of the treatment will be to focus on treating the eating disorder as well as treating its underlying health conditions. Some of the common treatment options include

• Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy involves cognitive-behavioural therapy, focusing on an individual and will help normalise unhealthy eating patterns. It also reduces negative behaviour and beliefs and replaces them with positive thoughts.

• Medication

In some cases, bulimia nervosa can be caused due to stress and depression. In such cases, antidepressants may be used to reduce the symptoms. Trained healthcare professionals should administer the antidepressants.

• Nutritional counselling

Nutritional counselling will help them to achieve healthy eating habits. Dieticians will design a diet plan to help them consume food correctly and avoid cravings and hunger pangs.

The diet plan will also help you to eat regularly instead of consuming too much food simultaneously.

• Support groups

Support groups can be helpful when used with other forms of treatment. It will motivate individuals to overcome eating disorders.

Prevention of bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa can be prevented if the warning signs are diagnosed during the early stages. It will also break an unhealthy eating habit in the initial period. If the disorder runs in the family, it is important to identify if it is passed genetically and treated.

Complications of bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa can restrict the body from getting proper nutrition. Some of the common complications that can lead to bulimia nervosa are

• Throat and stomach ulcers
• Oesophagus inflammation
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Heart failure
• Abnormal heart rhythm
• Tooth decay and cavities

What’s the difference between bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder?

People with bulimia nervosa tend to binge eat and then purge, i.e., puke the foods they consumed to avoid adding calories.

People with binge eating disorders will consume food but will not try to purge it. People with bulimia nervosa tend to think that they are hefty. However, they will be in a healthy weight. People affected with binge eating disorders will be obese or overweight.

What’s the difference between bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa?

People affected with anorexia nervosa are usually underweight, and people affected with bulimia nervosa will have a normal weight.

People with anorexia nervosa will think that they are obese, but they will be very thin and underweight. They also tend to look thin and sick.

When to consult a doctor

Bulimia nervosa can cause certain complications. People tend to consume a large amount of food and then puke it to avoid calorie accumulation. If you have the following symptoms, it is important to consult the doctor.

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Throat pain
• Acid reflux

Conclusion

Bulimia nervosa is a common eating disorder that develops during adolescence or early adulthood and females are more affected when compared to males. Due to social pressure, people tend to think that a particular weight is healthy and beautiful.

However, such false perspective can lead to such mental and physical health conditions. It can be treated with psychological treatment and medication.