1. Disordered Eating Bulimia Nervosa & Binge Eating Disorder

2. Bulimia Nervosa--Definition O Bulimia is an illness in which a person binges on food or has regular episodes of overeating and feels a loss of control. O The person then uses different methods -- such as vomiting or abusing laxatives -- to prevent weight gain O This is known as “binge and purge”

3. Causes O Exact cause of bulimia is unknown. O Genetic, psychological, trauma, family, society, or cultural factors may play a role. O Bulimia is likely due to more than one factor. O Begins with general dissatisfaction of physical appearance. O Some evidence of chemical messenger abnormalities (serotonin, feelings of satiety)

4. Risk Factors O Risk factors for developing bulimia O Female O Late teens—early adulthood O Have parents/siblings with eating disorder O Societal/peer pressure O Performance pressure in sports

5. Prevalence O Affects 1%-4% of the U.S. population O 3.1-12.4 million O 19-30% college females O People with bulimia are often at a normal weight, but they may see themselves as being overweight. O Because the person's weight is often normal, other people may not notice this eating disorder.

6. Bulimia/Binge Eating Disorder Symptoms O Binge Eating Disorder--Disorder where individuals frequently consume large amounts but DO NOT purge. O Eating unusually large amts of food even when full/not hungry O Eating rapidly during binge episodes O Feeling that your eating behavior is out of control O Feeling depressed, disgusted, ashamed, guilty or upset about your eating O Experiencing depression and anxiety O Frequently dieting, possibly without weight loss O Losing and gaining weight repeatedly, also called yo- yo dieting

7. Signs & Symptoms O Binge Episodes O In bulimia, eating binges may occur as often as several times a day for many months. O People with bulimia often eat large amounts of high-calorie foods, usually in secret. O People can feel a lack of control over their eating during these episodes. O Binges lead to self-disgust, which causes purging to prevent weight gain. Purging may include:

8. Signs and Symptoms O Purging Episodes O May occur several times a day O Forcing yourself to vomit O Excessive exercise O Using laxatives, enemas, or diuretics (water pills) O Purging often brings a sense of relief.

9. Signs & Symptoms O Symptoms that other friends/family can see: O Compulsive exercise O Suddenly eating large amounts of food or buying large amounts of food that disappear right away O Regularly going to the bathroom right after meals O Throwing away packages of laxatives, diet pills, emetics (drugs that cause vomiting), or diuretics

10. Health Problems O Cavities or gum infections O The enamel of the teeth worn away or pitted. O Broken blood vessels in the eyes O Dry mouth O Rashes and pimples O Small cuts and calluses across the tops of the finger joints from forcing oneself to vomit O Electrolyte imbalance

11. Health Complications O Permanent damage to esophagus O Dehydration, which can lead to major medical problems, such as kidney failure O Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat and heart failure O Digestive problems, and possibly a dependence on laxatives to have bowel movements O Anxiety and depression O Drug and alcohol abuse

12. Treatment O Most often, a stepped approach is used for patients with bulimia. O Support groups may be helpful for patients with mild conditions who do not have any health problems. O Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and nutritional therapy are the first treatments for bulimia that does not respond to support groups. O Antidepressants are often used for bulimia. O A combination of CBT and antidepressants is very effective if CBT does not work alone.

13. Bulimia Nervosa—Recovery