Bulimia Nervosa Kimberly Vargas Per.3

Purging Life-Threatening Introduction Eating Disorder Fears Purging Bingeing Bulimia Nervosa is a serious life threatening eating disorder characterized by a cycle of bingeing and purging. When a person is diagnosed with this disorder they binge which means he/she consumes/eats more than 2,000 calories in one sitting. Purging (a way to get rid of the food) is almost always followed by bingeing. Methods of purging are forced-vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or excessive exercising. Life-Threatening Unpleasant behaviors

Background Studied in 1972 Wealthy Anorexia comparison Middle Ages Wealthy Studied in 1972 Anorexia comparison In the middle ages Bulimia was described in a way of vomiting or purging to consume more. The wealthy saw releasing food as a way to enjoy more time with others. The illness was studied into more depth around 1972-1980 by doctor, Gerald FM Russell. He described the symptoms in 30 patients comparing it to Anorexia Nervosa implying that they were both psychological and life-threatening illnesses. Gerald FM. Russell

Etiology: Who? Females Males Thin Overweight Any race 8-60 years old The disorder affects females and males, and people as young as 8 years old and as old as 60 years, people who appear thin and people who appear overweight. Research has shown that bulimia nervosa is most common in females—about 90% of diagnoses are made in females. Recent studies suggest that up to 7% of females in the United States have had bulimia nervosa at some time in their life. An estimated 1% of young women in the United States are believed to be affected at any given time. Thin Overweight

Etiology: Why? Low self-esteem Family issues Failed dieting Failed relationship Personality Genetics (rare) Low self-esteem plays a huge role onto why people develop this illness. Of course there are many reasons why people develop ow self-esteem. For example one may be indulged in a public figure’s body and would see their own body as not sufficient for society therefore, develop bulimia. Many do not complete diets that are set therefore feel that they have failed in a task resulting in this illness. Scientists are now finding abnormal levels in the brain chemical serotonin are common in individuals with bulimia.

Signs & Symptoms Bathroom after meals Smell of vomit Scars on knuckles or hands “Chipmunk” cheeks Discolored teeth Tooth decay Changes in weight Disappearance of food Most bulimics try to hide their symptoms but if it is a loved one and you get a knowledge of bulimia and the signs you may have a chance to treat it before it gets severe. People with bulimia are exposing their body to increased trauma to the esophagus. The stomach contains acids specifically to digest food, therefore when vomiting the acid travels up with the food and which damages the esophagus and teeth (causing tooth decay). If forced vomiting continues the acid may rupture the esophagus and if not treated immediately it will lead to death.

Treatment & Prevention Stopping the cycle Healthy diet Don’t restrict foods Not comparing yourselves to others Therapy Confidence Focusing on happiness The first step to treatments of illnesses like these are accepting that it is a problem. Healthy diets and stopping the cycle to bulimia are to major keys to beating this illness because it just might be saving your life.

Sources : https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/bulimia-nervosa http://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa.htm http://www.bulimia.com/topics/bulimia/ http://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/information/bulimia