What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia Nervosa vs. Anorexia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa are both eating disorders that can affect your physical and mental well-being. However, there is a difference between the two. While people with anorexia starve themselves to limit their calorie intake and maintain a thin body, bulimia causes people to overeat within a short period and then purge to prevent weight gain.

Symptoms of Bulimia

Some common symptoms of bulimia are:

• Eating large quantities of food at once and then purging

• Feeling self-disgust after eating

• Being constantly fearful of gaining weight

• Being overly conscious about body image

• Feeling fat, even when thin

• Feeling anxious and depressed

• Fasting or following a strict diet after binge eating

• Exercising excessively

• Having a negative self-image

• Misusing laxatives or diuretics

• Self-inducing vomiting

• Having stained teeth due to stomach acid

• Constipation

• Taking herbs and supplements to lose weight

• Avoiding food in front of others

• Staying away from social activities

• Swelling in different body parts, such as cheeks, jaw area, hands, and feet

• Irregular menstrual periods

• Dehydration

• Muscle weakness

Treatment

Healthcare practitioners may use different techniques to treat bulimia nervosa. Some common treatment methods include the following —

1. Nutrition counseling:

This treatment involves working with an experienced dietician or counselor. The expert will ask you about your eating habits and suggest healthier ways to eat.

2. Psychotherapy:

Since bulimia is a mental health condition, psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy is an important part of the treatment. In this treatment, the expert will work with you to understand your thinking and behavior patterns, and suggest ways to overcome them. Psychotherapy can help you develop the right attitude toward food and your body.

3. Medication:

Your doctor may also prescribe certain medications for anxiety and depression to prevent associated binge eating and vomiting.

4. Support groups:

These are groups in which people with similar life and health issues share their experiences and coping strategies. This is a wonderful form of treatment, especially for those who are unable to share their issues with their loved ones.

5. Family support:

According to experts, family support can also help a loved one deal with bulimia. In this form of treatment, experts advise family members to do the following:

• Support and promote a healthy body image

• Have enjoyable meals together

• Discourage dieting and use of laxatives and diuretics

• Avoid talks related to body weight

• Lend a supportive ear to the loved one with bulimia