The damaging effect of Bulimia and how it can be averted.

We have all been there, turning to food when feeling lonely, bored or stressed. Bulimia is not a ‘lifestyle choice’, a person who has Bulimia Nervosa(BN) is very unwell and in need of help. Bulimia is a serious psychiatric ill health characterized by repeated episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors that try to control weight, it affects women and men of all ages. Besides, people with bulimia place an excessive emphasis on body shape or weight in their self-evaluation. This can lead to a person’s sense of self- esteem and self-worth being wholly defined by the way they look. The reasons for developing Bulimia will differ from person to person; known causes include genetic predisposition and a combination of environmental, social and cultural factors.

Bulimia nervosa is divided into two category purging and non-purging. Purging bulimics patients engage in some method, most often accomplished by self-induced vomiting to remove the binged food from their bodies. Non-purging bulimics use fasting or excessive exercise as the primary compensation for binges but do not regularly purge.

Having awareness about Bulimia and its warning signs and symptoms can make a marked difference to the severity and duration of the illness. Seeking help at the first warning sign is far more effective than waiting until the illness is in full swing. If you or someone you know is exhibiting some or a combination of these signs it is vital to seek help and support as soon as possible. Someone with Bulimia may display any combination of the following warning signs.

Physical signs:

• Fainting or dizziness
• Signs of damage due to vomiting including swelling around the cheeks or jaw, calluses on knuckles, damage to teeth and bad breath
• Feeling bloated, constipated or developing intolerances to food
• Feeling tired and not sleeping well

Psychological Signs

• Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape, and weight
• Sensitivity to comments relating to food, weight, body shape or exercise

  Low self-esteem and feelings of shame, self-loathing or guilt, particularly after eating

• Having a distorted body image (e.g. seeing themselves as overweight even if they are in a healthy weight range for their age and height)
• Obsession with food and need for control
• Depression, anxiety or irritability
• Extreme body dissatisfaction

Behavioral signs:

• Vomiting or using laxatives, appetite suppressants or diuretics
• Eating in private and avoiding meals with others
• Secretive behavior around food
• Compulsive or excessive exercising
• Frequent trips to the bathroom during or shortly after meals which could be evidence of vomiting or laxative use
• Self-harm, substance abuse or suicide attempts

The risks associated with Bulimia are severe. People with Bulimia may experience Chronic sore throat, indigestion, heartburn and reflux, inflammation and rupture of the esophagus and stomach from frequent vomiting, stomach and intestinal ulcers, chronic irregular bowel movements, constipation or diarrhea due to deliberate misuse of laxatives. therefore several tests are often carried out to help narrow down the diagnosis, eliminate other medical causes for weight loss or gain and check for any related complications.

Physical examination such as checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, checking the skin and nails, listening to the heart and lungs, and examining the abdomen and Lab Tests like a

Bulimia has been destroying lives slowly over the past years. Meditest saw it necessary to get this article out here, bulimia is curable, early diagnosis is key.