SYMPTOMS // What To Look For
· Eating habits are abnormal, often occurring in large quantities over a short period of time. These are known as binges, which contain a lot of calories (MMSA).
· Excessive vomiting – this causes a release of endorphins within the brain, creating a cyclical habit of eating and purging. It is important to note that this cycle can become overwhelming, with the patient not having control over when purging happens (NEDA).
· Fear of gaining weight and a connection between weight gain and self esteem (NEDA). Many people suffering from bulimia view these two things as a reason to continue their eating disorder, since their fears are so high. Food is used as a mechanism to cope with life stressors, rather than as a source for fuel (Precision Nutrition).
· Abnormalities in dieting, such as using laxatives or diuretics, or the more extreme option of an enema. Since these are often unnecessary to have a person’s digestive system function normally, a person with bulimia will misuse them to continue to lose weight or prevent any weight gain (Weight Matters).
· Lack of transparency when food is discussed, with the person often hiding how much he or she has eaten. This can manifest in hiding food physically or lying about when the person had last eaten (NEDA).
It is important to note that there are two types of bulimia::
Non-purging type // Vomiting is replaced by excessive exercising or fasting (MMSA).
Purging type // Vomiting and misuse of laxatives are characteristic of this type (MMSA).
· Excessive vomiting – this causes a release of endorphins within the brain, creating a cyclical habit of eating and purging. It is important to note that this cycle can become overwhelming, with the patient not having control over when purging happens (NEDA).
· Fear of gaining weight and a connection between weight gain and self esteem (NEDA). Many people suffering from bulimia view these two things as a reason to continue their eating disorder, since their fears are so high. Food is used as a mechanism to cope with life stressors, rather than as a source for fuel (Precision Nutrition).
· Abnormalities in dieting, such as using laxatives or diuretics, or the more extreme option of an enema. Since these are often unnecessary to have a person’s digestive system function normally, a person with bulimia will misuse them to continue to lose weight or prevent any weight gain (Weight Matters).
· Lack of transparency when food is discussed, with the person often hiding how much he or she has eaten. This can manifest in hiding food physically or lying about when the person had last eaten (NEDA).
It is important to note that there are two types of bulimia::
Non-purging type // Vomiting is replaced by excessive exercising or fasting (MMSA).
Purging type // Vomiting and misuse of laxatives are characteristic of this type (MMSA).
![Picture](/uploads/4/8/8/4/48845143/1360016_orig.jpg)
This diagram illustrates the binge purge cycle more comprehensively, showing the reasons why the cycle continues at such excessive rates. This came from a Google search on the cycle itself, reinforcing what the references I used already discussed. This image is from www.slideshare.net/pookyh/understanding-bulimia.