What is bulimia nervosa?

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating, followed by compensatory behaviors such as purging, fasting, or excessive exercise. These behaviors are used to try to undo or make up for the calorie intake during a binge. People with bulimia often have a distorted body image and feel a lack of control over their eating. They may feel shame, guilt, or disgust about their binge eating, and the compensatory behaviors are typically done in secret.

Bulimia affects both physical and mental health, and can lead to serious medical complications. Physically, bulimia can cause electrolyte imbalances, gastrointestinal problems, and heart problems, among others. Mentally, bulimia is often associated with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.

What are symptoms of bulimia nervosa?

The symptoms of bulimia nervosa can vary from person to person, but the following are the most common signs and symptoms:

1. Binge eating: Eating large amounts of food in a short period of time, often to the point of feeling uncomfortably full.
2. Purging: Using methods such as self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or excessive exercise to try to get rid of calories consumed during a binge.
3. Extreme concern with body weight and shape: Obsessive thoughts about body weight and shape, and feeling a need to be thin.
4. Secretive eating behaviors: Eating alone or hiding food, and feeling ashamed or guilty about eating habits.
5. Mood swings: Experiencing fluctuations in mood, such as feeling irritable, anxious, or depressed.
6. Changes in weight: Sudden changes in weight, either gaining or losing weight rapidly.
7. Physical symptoms: Complications such as electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, dental problems, gastrointestinal problems, heart problems, and more.

It's important to keep in mind that not everyone with bulimia will experience all of these symptoms, and some people may exhibit symptoms that are not listed here. If you suspect that you or someone you know may be struggling with bulimia, it's important to seek help from a health professional.

How do you treat bulimia nervosa?

The treatment of bulimia typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support from loved ones. The goal of treatment is to help the individual develop healthier eating habits and coping strategies, and to address the underlying psychological and emotional issues that contribute to the disorder.

1. Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of therapy that helps individuals with bulimia to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors associated with their eating disorder. Other forms of therapy, such as interpersonal therapy, may also be used.
2. Medication: Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), can be prescribed to help with symptoms of depression and anxiety that often accompany bulimia.
3. Support from loved ones: Family and friends can provide emotional support and encouragement, and help to create a positive and supportive environment for recovery.

A registered dietitian can play a crucial role in the treatment of bulimia by providing education and support around healthy eating habits. The dietitian can work with the individual to develop a balanced and nutritious meal plan, and can help to address any fears or misconceptions around food. The dietitian can also provide support around coping with binge eating and purging behaviors, and can help to build confidence in making healthy food choices.

It's important to remember that recovery from bulimia is a long process, and that relapses can occur. However, with the right help and support, many people are able to overcome their disorder and reclaim control over their eating and their lives.