How Bulimia Affects People Suffering From It
Bulimia Nervosa is generally known to be an eating disorder that is characterized by excessive overeating – periods of binging – often succeeded with purging. Although people with bulimia are usually faced with the fear of becoming overweight, however, it is important to note that not all people with bulimia are underweight. In fact, there are some people with bulimia who are even obese or overweight.
Bulimia nervosa is a critical mental illness that often requires intensive treatment. In a bid to prevent additional weight gain and to properly manage their weight, people with Bulimia attempt to use purging. There are greater chances of overcoming this eating disorder when help is provided.
Common Characteristics of People with Bulimia:
Before inducing vomiting, a person with Bulimia can consume over 2,000 calories at a go. However, this (vomiting) is not the only method of purging. Some common alternatives to vomiting include fasting, enemas, use of laxative, and excessive exercise of a combination or two or more purging methods.
Physical Dangers Of Bulimia:
Naturally, the human body is not used to stress caused by frequent cycles of purging or binging. Daily vomiting or laxative use do not only cause severe stress on the body, but they can also affect the heart which is not built to withstand them. Such stress may lead to heart attacks, heart palpitations, arrhythmia or even death. Also, due to frequent vomiting, the enamel of the teeth can become eroded, thereby leading to rapid tooth decay, mouth sensitivity and yellow teeth. Bulimia can even cause fertility issues among women.
While increasing the amount of food that can be consumed, Bulimia tends to stretch the stomach and increase the amount of food. In some exceptional cases, this eating disorder can cause stomach acid to spill into the rest of the body by ripping stomach lining.
One common problem that affects people with Bulimia is chronic gastric reflux. As a result of bulimia, chronic painful stomach problems, chronic, painful stomach problems may tend to develop. The disorder may also lead to a partial paralyzation of the stomach muscles i.e. gastroparesis.
Unfortunately, once the sufferer of these problems overcomes the disorder, it is important to note that the effect of certain chronic health issues will still be experienced. For instance, even after your last cycle of purging and binging, you may still suffer from gastroparesis for years.
Many people and even celebrities have suffered and are suffering from Bulimia Nervosa. One of whom is the famous rock legend, Elton John. In an interview with the Chicago Sun-Times in 2012, he openly disclosed his struggles with both drug addiction and the destructive disorder. However, he was able to overcome and live a normal life when he decided to seek for help in 1990.
