What makes people bulimic

Nonpurging type. The person uses other behaviors, such as fasting or excessive exercise, rather than purging behaviors. Who is at risk for bulimia? Bulimia most often affects females and starts during the teenage years. But, it can also affect males. People with bulimia are more likely to come from families with a history of eating disorders, physical illness, and other mental health problems. Other illnesses, such as substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders are common in people with bulimia.

What causes bulimia? The cause of bulimia is not known. Society and cultural ideals that assign value based on body weight and shape play a role. There is also a genetic link as eating disorders tend to run in families. What are the symptoms of bulimia? These are the most common symptoms of bulimia: Usually a normal or above average body weight Recurrent episodes of binge eating and fear of not being able to stop eating Self-induced vomiting usually secretive Excessive exercise Excessive fasting Peculiar eating habits or rituals Inappropriate use of laxatives or diuretics Irregular or absence of menstruation Anxiety Discouraged feelings related to dissatisfaction with themselves and the way their body looks Depression Preoccupation with food, weight, and body shape Throat is always inflamed or sore Tiredness and decreased energy Dental problems due to erosion of enamel from vomiting Most people with eating disorders also share certain traits including: Low self-esteem Feelings of helplessness Fear of getting fat Intense unhappiness with their body shape and size If you have bulimia, you may binge to reduce stress and ease anxiety.

With binge eating comes guilt, disgust, and depression. Purging brings only short-term relief. You may be impulsive and more likely to take part in risky behaviors, such as alcohol and drug abuse. How is bulimia diagnosed? Blood tests may be done to check overall health and nutritional status. If you have bulimia or another eating disorder, you may be obsessed with your body image and go to severe measures to alter your weight.

Anorexia nervosa causes people to restrict their calorie intake. Bulimia causes binge eating and purging. Bingeing is consuming a large portion of food in a short period of time. People with bulimia tend to binge in secret and then feel immense guilt. These are also symptoms of binge eating disorder. The difference is that bulimia includes purging by behaviors such as forced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives or diuretics, or fasting.

People with bulimia may continue to binge and purge for a while, and then go through periods of not eating. If you have bulimia, you may also exercise compulsively. Regular exercise is a normal part of a healthy lifestyle. But people with bulimia may take this to the extreme by exercising for several hours a day. This can lead to other health problems, such as:. Bulimia is an eating disorder, but it can also be referred to as a mental disorder.

This fact is attributed to long-term health problems, as well as suicide. Some patients with bulimia also have depression. Bulimia can cause people to feel shame and guilt about their inability to control compulsive behaviors. This can worsen preexisting depression. There is no proven cause of bulimia. Wanting to adapt to beauty standards can cause people to engage in unhealthy eating habits. Peer pressure, media influences and trending diet fads are all associated with the development of bulimia.

We live in a society where our image is measured by our body shape and physical appearance. Emotional stress, substance abuse, and the influence of social media are sociocultural factors known to contribute to the development of bulimia nervosa. Recognizing the causes and understanding that this disorder is not related to one individual cause is necessary to develop the proper treatment plan where all underlying triggers can be addressed.

These causes and triggers associated with bulimia nervosa can vary among each individual. For example, some individual may just have the biological components whereas other individuals may have deep-rooted emotional trauma or mental health disorders resulting in their bulimia nervosa.

This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. Accept your limits. The person with bulimia must make the decision to move forward.

Take care of yourself. Know when to seek advice for yourself from a counselor or health professional. Dealing with an eating disorder is stressful, and it will help if you have your own support system in place. Authors: Melinda Smith, M. A generous donor will match all contributions made before December 31 — doubling your gift and your impact! Cookie Policy. Explore the warning signs, symptoms, and treatment options. What is bulimia? But if you have the eating disorder bulimia nervosa, overeating is more like a compulsion.

Bulimia is characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating followed by extreme efforts to avoid gaining weight, often by vomiting, using laxatives, or exercising to excess. This vicious cycle of bingeing and purging can take a toll on your body and emotional well-being. It can cause damage to your digestive system and create chemical imbalances in the body that harm the functioning of major organs, including the heart.

It can even be fatal. While it is most common among young women, bulimia can affect women and men of all ages. No matter how trapped in this vicious cycle you feel, though, there is hope. With treatment and support, you can break the cycle, learn to manage unpleasant emotions in a healthier way, and regain control of your life.

If you make up for your binges by fasting, exercising to excess, or going on crash diets, this also qualifies as bulimia. Are you bulimic? Are you obsessed with your body and your weight?