What is bulimia?

Bulimia, or bulimia nervosa, is a serious eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives.

During a binge, a person eats a large amount of food in a short period of time, often more than most people would eat under similar circumstances. These binges are usually accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. After the binge, the person tries to compensate for the excessive eating through unhealthy and harmful behaviors, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise.

People with bulimia often have a distorted body image and are extremely concerned about their weight. This can lead to a constant fear of gaining weight, even if their weight is normal or low. Bulimia is often accompanied by feelings of shame and guilt, which leads to the behavior being carried out in secret.

Bulimia can have serious physical consequences, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances (which can lead to heart rhythm problems), tooth decay due to frequent vomiting, and gastrointestinal problems. In addition, psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can occur.

The exact cause of bulimia is unknown, but it is likely a combination of genetic, biological, psychological, and environmental factors. It is important to seek professional help if you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia.

Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/eating-disorders

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-08-13 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024