Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has regular episodes of significant overeating and feels a loss of control. The affected person then uses various methods -- such as vomiting or laxative abuse -- to prevent weight gain.
Many (but not all) people with bulimia also have anorexia nervosa.
Alternative NamesBulimia nervosa; Binge-purge behavior; Eating disorder - bulimia
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMany more women than men have bulimia, and the disorder is most common in adolescent girls and young women. The affected person is usually aware that her eating pattern is abnormal and may experience fear or guilt with the binge-purge episodes.
The exact cause of bulimia is unknown. Genetic, psychological, trauma, family, society, or cultural factors may play a role. Bulimia is likely due to more than one factor.
SymptomsIn bulimia, eating binges may occur as often as several times a day for many months.
People with bulimia typically eat large amounts of high-calorie foods, usually in secret. The person generally feels a loack of control over their eating during these episodes.
These binges cause a sense of self-disgust, which leads to what is called purging, in order to prevent gaining weight. Purging may include: making oneself vomit, excessive exercise, and use of laxatives, enemas, or diuretics (water pills). Purging often brings a sense of relief.
Body weight is often in the normal range, although people with bulimia often see themselves as being overweight. Because weight is often normal, this eating disorder may not be noticed by others.
Symptoms or behaviors that may be noticed include:
A dental exam may show dental cavities or gum infections (such as gingivitis). The enamel of the teeth may be eroded or pitted because of excessive exposure to the acid in vomit.
A physical examination may also reveal:
A chem-20 test may show an electrolyte imbalance (such as hypokalemia) or dehydration.
TreatmentPeople with bulimia rarely need to be hospitalized, except under the following circumstances:
Most often, a stepped approach is taken for patients with bulimia. This treatment approach follows specific stages, depending on the severity of the bulimia, and the person's response to treatments:
Patients may drop out of programs if they have unrealistic expectations of being "cured" by therapy alone. Before a program begins, the following should be made clear:
Self-help groups like Overeaters Anonymous may help some people with bulimia. The American Anorexia/Bulimia Association is a source of information about this disorder.
See: Eating disorders - support group
Expectations (prognosis)Bulimia is a chronic illness and many people continue to have some symptoms despite treatment. People with fewer medical complications of bulimia, and who are willing and able to engage in therapy, tend to have a better chance of recovery.
ComplicationsBulimia can be dangerous and may lead to serious medical complications over time. For example, frequent vomiting puts stomach acid in the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), which can permanently damage this area.
Possible complications include:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you (or your child) have symptoms of an eating disorder.
PreventionLess social and cultural emphasis on physical perfection may eventually help reduce the frequency of this disorder.
ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. Treatment of patients with eating disorders, 3rd ed. American Psychiatric Association. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jul;163(7 Suppl):4-54.
Hall MN, Friedman RJ 2nd, Leach L. Treatment of bulimia nervosa. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Jun 1;77(11):1588, 1592.
Schmidt U, Lee S, Beecham J, et al. A randomized controlled trial of family therapy and cognitive behavior therapy guided self-care for adolescents with bulimia nervosa and related disorders. Am J Psychiatry. 2007 Apr;164(4):591-8.
Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control. The affected person then uses various methods -- such as vomiting or laxative abuse -- to prevent weight gain.
Many (but not all) people with bulimia also have anorexia nervosa.
Alternative NamesBulimia nervosa; Binge-purge behavior; Eating disorder - bulimia
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsMany more women than men have bulimia. The disorder is most common in adolescent girls and young women. The affected person is usually aware that her eating pattern is abnormal and may feel fear or guilt with the binge-purge episodes.
The exact cause of bulimia is unknown. Genetic, psychological, trauma, family, society, or cultural factors may play a role. Bulimia is likely due to more than one factor.
SymptomsIn bulimia, eating binges may occur as often as several times a day for many months.
People with bulimia often eat large amounts of high-calorie foods, usually in secret. People can feel a lack of control over their eating during these episodes.
Binges lead to self-disgust, which causes purging to prevent weight gain. Purging may include:
Purging often brings a sense of relief.
People with bulimia are often at a normal weight, but they may see themselves as being overweight. Because the person's weight is often normal, other people may not notice this eating disorder.
Symptoms can include:
A dental exam may show cavities or gum infections (such as gingivitis). The enamel of the teeth may be worn away or pitted because of too much exposure to the acid in vomit.
A physical examination may also show:
A chem-20 test may show an electrolyte imbalance (such as hypokalemia) or dehydration.
TreatmentPeople with bulimia rarely have to go to the hospital, unless:
Most often, a stepped approach is used for patients with bulimia. The treatment approach depends on how severe the bulimia is, and the person's response to treatments:
Patients may drop out of programs if they have unrealistic hopes of being "cured" by therapy alone. Before a program begins, the following should be made clear:
Self-help groups like Overeaters Anonymous may help some people with bulimia. The American Anorexia/Bulimia Association is a source of information about this disorder.
See: Eating disorders - support group
Expectations (prognosis)Bulimia is a long-term illness. Many people will still have some symptoms, even with treatment.
People with fewer medical complications of bulimia, and those who are willing and able to take part in therapy have a better chance of recovery.
ComplicationsBulimia can be dangerous. It may lead to serious medical complications over time. For example, vomiting over and over again puts stomach acid in the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to the stomach), which can permanently damage this area.
Possible complications include:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you (or your child) have symptoms of an eating disorder.
ReferencesAmerican Psychiatric Association. Treatment of patients with eating disorders, 3rd ed. American Psychiatric Association. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jul;163(7 Suppl):4-54.
Hall MN, Friedman RJ 2nd, Leach L. Treatment of bulimia nervosa. Am Fam Physician. 2008 Jun 1;77(11):1588, 1592.
Sim LA, McAlpine DE, Grothe KB, Himes SM, Cockerill RG, Clark MM. Identification and treatment of eating disorders in the primary care setting. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010;85(8):746-751.
Treasure J, Claudino AM, Zucker N. Eating disorders. Lancet. 2010;375(9714):583-593.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 04/18/2011
Fred K. Berger, MD, Addiction and Forensic Psychiatrist, Scripps Memorial Hospital, Ja Jolla, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
It's not an eating disorder 'caused by', but rather 'classified by' and it is known as Bulimia Nervosa. Google it.
bulimia is a eating disorder.ok bulimia is a eating disorder.ok
there are 2 types of bulimia, they are Anorexia Nervosa & Bulimia Eating Disorder.
There is no patron saint of bulimia.
Yes, Princess Diana did have bulimia.
No bulimia does not have a incubation period
Twiggy had a three-year bout of bulimia
About one percent of women suffer from bulimia
Bulimia
It cant I have bulimia and I m only 14yrs old it started two years ago bulimia is what it is and there can be no argument
1.) What forms of treatment are effective for bulimia? 2.) What is the difference between anorexia nervosa and bulimia? 3.) What is bulimia?
Alt. of Bulimy