Background Information

Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder in which there are episodes of bingeing followed by self induced vomiting. Excess use of laxatives to expel food before it can be absorbed often accompanies bulimia. Many bulimics start with anorexia, where there is a total pre-occupation with weight, a morbid fear of fatness and extreme under eating. With anorexia, the patient is underweight, but bulimics may have a normal weight, which they control by vomiting.

Bulimia affects girls more than boys, about 2 in every 100 girls and women, usually starting between ages 15 to 30.

The consequences of bulimia are:

*'fat face' due to swollen salivary glands in front of the ears (similar to a sufferer of mumps),

*eroded teeth resulting from the vomiting of stomach acid

*tears in the gullet

*callosities on the backs of fingers as a result of inserting fingers into the throat and rubbing against the teeth

*irregular heart rate

*muscle weakness

*serious kidney problems

*irregular periods

*hormonal disorders

*even epileptic fits

They are many different reasons why eating disorders arise, but the widespread philosophy displayed throughout the media that `thin is beautiful' has a lot to answer for! Other sufferers enjoy the `sense of control' they have over their weight. It may be the only part of their life which they feel they can completely control themselves.

All patients with eating disorders need help and understanding. The patient needs to be assessed by a psychologist or psychiatrist, and then given care and guidance to bring them back to a normal healthy `non weight gaining' diet and lifestyle. The prescription drug, fluoxetine, can help control bulimia.

After treatment 70 80% of bulimics will reduce or stop bingeing.

Further information: Eating Disorders Association, : http://www.edauk.com/
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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