Is it Bulimia?
People who have bulimia are very secretive about their binging and purging, so it might take some time for family and friends to notice the signs and symptoms of their eating disorder. People with bulimia can be any weight and don't always lose weight with the illness.
If your child or loved one is secretive about eating, has frequent trips to the bathroom after eating and shows signs or smells from vomiting, runs water while in the bathroom to conceal the sound of vomiting and uses mint or gum to cover up the smell of vomiting you should be concerned.
Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by binge eating then purging. The person typically eat a large amount of food, often high calorie, in a short period of time. It is common for the person to be unable to stop once started, until the sense of fullness is extreme. In order to prevent weight gain after a binge most people will try and rid their bodies of the food they have just eaten generally by vomiting or purging. Other methods include the use of laxatives, diuretics and occasionally enemas. Fasting or restricting food intake for a day or several days and/or exercising excessively can also be methods used to control their weight.
A person is most likely to develop bulimia in their late teens to early 20s. This sometimes occurs with the belief that bulimia will help a person diet successfully where other attempts to lose weight have failed. It is also often associated with low self esteem or a general lack of confidence. Some people with bulimia have previously had anorexia.
Like a person with anorexia, people suffering from bulimia usually have a high level of dissatisfaction with their bodies. They will often feel fat and want to lose weight and be very fearful of weight gain. A binge can be triggered by a number of diverse thoughts or emotional feelings.
People who develop bulimia become reliant on the control of food and eating as a way of coping with emotional difficulties in their life.
Click here for a quick questionnaire that will help indicate if there is a problem.
If you are concerned a loved one may have bulimia, watch out for these red flags.
Behavioural Indicators
- Going for unexpected walks or drives at night
- Excessive desire for privacy in the bedroom or bathroom
- Evidence of laxatives or diuretics
- Avoidance of eating with others
- Unpredictable and sudden dietary likes and dislikes
- Skipping meals
- Cutting food into very small pieces
- Chewing food excessively
- Separating different types of food on the plate
- Eating unusually large amounts of food, with no apparent change in weight
- The disappearance of large amounts or food or numerous empty wrappers or containers in the rubbish
- Secretly hoarding food
- Shoplifting for food or abnormal amounts of money spent on food
- Excessive, rigid exercise regime
- Complex lifestyle schedules or rituals to allow for binge/ purge sessions
- Use of mints and gum to cover up the smell of vomit
- Running water in the bathroom to conceal the sound of vomiting
- Going to the bathroom after a meal
- Poor body image/distorted body perception
- Wearing baggy clothes to hide the body
- Preoccupation with body weight/weight loss/dieting/control of food
- Anxiety and depression, low self esteem, shame and guilt
- Isolation, helplessness and loneliness
- Emotional behaviour and mood swings
Physical Indicators
- Frequent weight changes
- Sore throat, tooth decay and bad breath caused by excessive vomiting
- Swollen salivary glands making the face rounder
- Poor skin condition
- Irregular periods
- Lethargy and tiredness
If you have been though this list and checked a number of behaviours or physical indicators you should be concerned.
Don't delay. Early intervention is important. Bulimia is a very serious illness.
Please refer to "Where can I get Help and Information on Eating Disorders" and act now.
Refer to www.EDReferral.com for more information.
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