Bulimia Nervosa refers to a complicated and probably life-threatening eating disorder affecting individuals across age, background and gender. It is usually misunderstood because of its obscure nature. It is defined as a harmful cycle of binge eating, which is the result of vomiting, fasting or excessive exercise. This dangerous cycle has severe repercussions on an individual’s physical health, emotional composure and overall well-being. Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder that entails episodes of binge eating. Binge eating refers to consuming really large amounts of food in a short span of time. The efforts are made to avoid weight gain through cleansing or adopting not-so-healthy behaviours. Cleansing or purging may take various forms, which include fasting, excessive exercise, misusing laxatives or even diuretics and self-induced vomiting. 

The actions associated with it may appear to be centred around food, but this disorder is entrenched in psychological as well as emotional distress. The individuals with Bulimia Nervosa usually battle with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and body image issues. 

Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

• Swelling in the jaw area or cheeks due to vomiting 
• Due to stomach acid exposure, tooth erosion can be experienced 
• Dehydration as well as electrolyte imbalances 
• Frequent episodes of secret binge eating 
• Irregular menstrual cycles 
• Obsessed with body shape and weight 
• Depression, anxiety and mood swings 
• Social withdrawal 
• Behaviours like vomiting, use of laxatives or excessive exercise 
• Calluses on knuckles, which are the result of vomiting 

These signs and symptoms can even lead to serious medical complications over time. Over time, these symptoms can lead to more severe medical complications, including damage to the oesophagus, gastrointestinal problems, cardiac arrhythmias, and even heart failure. These severe medical risks include damage to the oesophagus, cardiac arrhythmias, gastrointestinal problems and heart failure. 

Causes of Bulimia Nervosa

The causes are often a combination of social, psychological, and cultural factors. 

• • Sociocultural influences – The pressure of society for achieving a thin ideal may result in body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviours. Celebrity culture and social media intensify these societal pressures. 
  • Psychological Factors – Many people with Bulimia Nervosa battle with low self-assurance, perfectionism, anxiety and obsessive compulsive tendencies. Also, various traumatic experiences can contribute to the development of this disorder. 
  • Biological and genetic factors – Genetic predisposition may also lead to the development of Bulimia Nervosa. 
  • Diet and restriction – Chronic dieting is a major risk factor for Bulimia Nervosa. Also, restrictive eating habits usually lead to a binge-purge cycle, which can create a sequence of extreme hunger, followed by a loss of control, and binge episodes.

Bulimic cycle

• • Binge phase – Consuming large quantities of high-calorie food, feeling a lack of control. 
  • Purge phase – devastated by guilt and shame due to weight gain, individuals engage in purging behaviours. 
  • Relief and guilt phase – there remains a temporary sense of relief, usually followed by emotional distress and guilt. This can trigger another binge. 

Health risks

If Bulimia Nervosa is left untreated, it can even lead to serious health problems. 

• Chronic fatigue and weakness 
• Oesophagal tears or ruptures 
• Menstrual irregularities or infertility 
• Kidney problems, as well as dehydration 
• Heart irregularities, which are caused by electrolyte imbalances 
• Tooth decay occurs because of repeated exposure to stomach acid 
• Digestive problems like chronic sore throat, constipation, bloating and acid reflux. 

Treatment

The multifaceted treatment involves a combination of nutritional counselling, psychological therapy, and medication. 

• Nutritional rehabilitation 
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy 
• Medication 
• Hospitalization 
• Family therapy 

Conclusion 

Manas Hospital is a renowned hospital of Ludhiana, which serves its patients with the best treatment and specialised care. Speaking to our health professionals about eating disorders can help you a lot in getting away with binge eating. As you know, recovery begins with understanding. We can guide and support you during the treatment for speedy recovery.