Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia (or bulimia nervosa) can affect anyone of any age, gender, or background. People with bulimia are caught in a cycle of eating large amounts of food (called binging), and then trying to compensate for that overeating by vomiting, taking laxatives or diuretics (water tablets), fasting, or exercising excessively (called purging). People who have Bulimia may be older than those with anorexia or other eating disorders, and many suffer symptoms of both conditions. Bulimic cycles and the emotions linked to them vary from person to person. You may experience from bulimic episodes monthly, weekly or several times a day. You may feel that it is not having a big effect on your life or you may be worried how often it is happening and be desperate to stop them. However you feel, bulimia is likely to be having a negative effect on your emotional and physical wellbeing.

How you might behave

• Binges on large quantities of food in a short space of time.
• Vomiting after meals.
• Using laxatives, diuretics or extreme levels of exercise to compensate after a binge.
• Periods of fasting after a binge.
• Being secretive about what and how much you are eating.
• Hoarding food.
• Reluctance to socialise, especially when the event involves food.

What you might feel

• Out of control and anxious around food.
• Distracted by thoughts of food and eating.
• Feelings of guilt and shame, especially after binging.
• Feelings of helplessness and isolation.
• Reduced self-esteem and confidence.
• Emotionally relieved following purging, restrictive eating or exercise.

How you might be affected physically

• Frequent weight fluctuations.
• Sore throat and swollen salivary glands.
• Tooth decay.
• Disrupted menstrual cycle in women.
• Loss of libido.
• Poor skin condition.
• Reduced energy and feeling of lethargy.
• Frequent headaches.

Effects on your mood

A binge may be used initially to help you to deal with difficult emotions such as loneliness or anxiety or to ease tension caused by pressure or stress. It may help for a short while, but as you begin to feel full you are likely to experience feelings of guilt or shame. It is likely to be these feelings that lead to an uncontrollable urge to get rid of the food you have consumed by vomiting or using laxatives or to compensate by restricting your food intake or exercising. The action of compensating for the food consumed during a binge may bring you temporary relief but this is unlikely to last. Before long, the feelings that caused the binge in the first place will return and cycle will start again.

Bulimic cycles and the emotions associated with them will vary from person to person. You may suffer from bulimic episodes monthly, weekly or several times a day. You may feel that it is not having a great affect on your life or you may feel fearful of your bulimic cycles and be desperate to stop them. However you feel, bulimia is likely to be having a negative affect on your emotional wellbeing. Discussing you concerns and behaviour with a loved one or professional may be hard at first but it will help you to untangle and escape the cycle.

Long-term physical effects

Bulimia can lead to an imbalance or low level of essential minerals that will have a significant affect on the working of vital organs. Repeated vomiting is likely to cause tooth decay and may lead to pain when swallowing, the drying up of salivary glands and rapture of the stomach. Excessive laxative use can cause serious and long-term bowel problems. In the majority of cases, the physical affects of bulimia can be reduced or reversed once the body is receiving the vitamins and minerals it needs regularly and in moderation.

What can you expect during recovery

How you might feel

Admitting that you have a problem and seeking help can be frightening. You may feel ashamed and confused by your behaviour. Sufferers who have broken through these barriers often report feelings of relief to have everything out in the open. Dealing with Bulimia on your own is far more terrifying than dealing with it with the support and help of loved ones and professionals.

Talking about your behaviour and the emotions related to it will help you to unravel and break the bulimic cycle. The urge to binge and purge will not disappear straight away; you will have good days and bad days. But every time you resist the urge you will learn a little bit more about yourself and the ways in which you might cope with life without bulimia.

Physical changes

With regular and balanced meals you will see a decline in the physical symptoms of bulimia such as headaches, poor skin and feelings of lethargy. It will take your body a while to get used to eating regularly and you may find that weight fluctuates until your metabolism settles and your body learns to expect food in certain quantities at certain times.

It can be difficult to know how much to eat and when to eat at first. A profession eating disorders specialist, dietician or you GP can help you with this. Once you have an outline diet, try to stick to it and be patient in waiting for your weight to settle and the physical symptoms of bulimia to subside.