2 million people suffer from bulimia every year in Brazil, according to the Sírio Libanês Hospital. The eating and behavioral disorder is serious and can even cause death. In other words, we need to talk about bulimia and be alert.
People with the disorder have a weight that is considered appropriate for their age and height, or are even slightly overweight. Therefore, it is difficult to recognize that someone suffers from the disorder. Some behaviors, such as vigorous exercise, are also considered signs of health care when, in fact, they may be one of the indicators of bulimia.
Therefore, this article is more than just a text, but a warning and a request that you do not let external demands pressure you into doing crazy things to achieve the perfect body. If you have low self-esteem or are going through difficult times, which can be triggers for the onset of bulimia, seek specialized help.
Life is challenging, but it can still be surreal, especially when we deal with obstacles in a healthy way.
What is bulimia?
Bulimia comes from the Greek, Buli (ox), mia (hunger). Understanding the origin of the name explains part of this eating and behavioral disorder. It is characterized by a large intake of food, often high in calories, in a short period of time, about two hours. Afterwards, the guilt and fear of gaining weight lead the individual with bulimia to engage in compensatory behaviors.
Contrary to what many people know, bulimia does not only consist of inducing vomiting after consuming a large amount of food. Bulimics may engage in other compensatory behaviors:
- Excessive physical exercise
- Improper use of laxatives
- Use of diuretics
- Prolonged fasting after overindulging
People with bulimia rarely stop eating. However, frequent prolonged fasting (mentioned above) can also be a characteristic of bulimia. In addition to completely depriving themselves of food after a binge, bulimics engage in vigorous physical exercise.
Causes of bulimia
Some people say that there is no proven cause for bulimia. However, it is now being said that the cause may be more than one factor, i.e., it is multifactorial. Body worship plays a large role in the onset of the problem.
Genetic issues can also play a role, as can difficult times such as divorce, bereavement, and unemployment. In the latter case, the person uses food as a way to deal with their feelings, but feels bad about consuming too many calories.
Signs of bulimia
Bulimia is a disorder that causes distress to the entire family and close friends. The person has difficulty admitting that they have the problem, sometimes out of shame. Even after admitting to themselves that they are ill, it is common not to seek help. The disorder can also affect teenagers. Therefore, it is important that those responsible know what bulimia is and how to support the bulimic person during this complex phase of life.
Knowing the signs of bulimia is the first step in identifying if someone close to you suffers from the problem.
The signs of bulimia are:
- Trips to the bathroom after eating large amounts of food;
- Maintaining weight even when eating a lot;
- Common dental problems: cavities, tooth wear;
- Guilty comments about eating and about calories in food;
- Irregular menstruation;
- Calluses on the back of the hand: also known as Russell's sign, it is caused by inserting the hand into the throat;
- Frequent sore throat;
Health consequences
The list of illnesses that can arise due to bulimia is extensive. This is yet another reason for people to be aware of those around them who show signs that they may be suffering from bulimia.
The health consequences are both physical and mental. Problems with reproductive, stomach, heart, bone, psychiatric and other health issues are among the possible consequences of bulimia.
The main ones are:
- Chronic sore throat, heartburn, indigestion and gastric reflux.
- Inflammation and rupture of the esophagus and stomach due to frequent vomiting.
- Stomach pain.
- Constipation or diarrhea due to excessive use of laxatives.
- Intestinal ulcers.
- Increased risk of infertility in men and women.
- Loss or irregularity of the menstrual cycle.
- Osteoporosis.
- Cardiac arrhythmia and increased risk of heart failure.
- Malnutrition.
- Depression.
- Anxiety.
Treatment
A disease with multifactorial origins and consequences in various areas of health also needs to be treated by specialists from many areas. In addition, treatment is long and requires monitoring after the person is discharged, as relapses may occur.
Support from family and friends is essential. Demands are one of the factors that can lead someone to develop bulimia. Therefore, try to be calm with the bulimic person. Understand that it is a disease and not something that depends solely on the individual's willpower.
Nutritionist
Ideally, a professional who specializes in eating disorders should be chosen. It is necessary to carry out nutritional reeducation work with the bulimic in treatment, so that he or she is able to see the act of eating as something essential for health.
Another task of the nutritionist during treatment is to guide the individual on which foods are necessary for nutritional levels to return to being adequate.
Psychologist
Therapy will make all the difference in the life of someone who has had bulimia. They don't see themselves as they really are in the mirror. In addition to self-esteem issues, they will need to work through the feelings that arise during treatment. There are also psychology professionals who specialize in treating people with eating disorders.
Dentists
Teeth can be affected by the contents of vomit and acid reflux. If there is tooth wear or cavities, it is necessary to see a dentist to help restore oral health.
Various doctors
The consequences of bulimia affect different organs of the body. Therefore, a person with this disorder may need to see fertility specialists, gynecologists, gastroenterologists, psychiatrists, and others, depending on the problem that arose due to bulimia. The journey may be long, but it is worth it to restore your health.
Bold Snacks supports a lifestyle in which no one has to give up anything to be healthy and have a surreal journey. Therefore, it is our duty to clarify issues related to food, image and others. Of course, in an uncomplicated and simple way.
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