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Feature Articles: Eating
Disorders Bulima NervosaBy Greta Hopke, RD and Candance Gabel, MS,
RD, LD,
Bulimia nervosa, which means "morbid hunger," is an eating disordered often characterized by the binge/purge cycle. According to the American Psychiatric Association there are 4 diagnostic criteria: |
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- Repeated episodes of binge eating (2 or more per week
for at least 3 months)
- Lack of control of overeating during binge
- Regular use of self-induced vomiting, laxatives,
diuretics, fasting, or excessive exercising to control body
weight
- Constant concern with body weight and shape
There are 2 types of bulimia nervous: binge/purge and
non-purging. Both types of bulimia are fueled by the obsession
with thinness and food. Bulimia, as compared to anorexia, may be
more difficult to identify due to the person being of normal
weight or at least not so obviously underweight. Individuals
with bulimia nervosa have a loss of control over the impulse to
binge. An average binge can range between 1,200 to 11,500
calories (Kolodny, 2004)! Often overlooked, these individuals
also have a loss of control for the impulse to purge or
"control" weight by other methods. This disorder makes it almost
impossible for the individuals affected to eat in a normal,
unself-conscious way.
An eating disorder is a very serious issue. It affects an
individual's physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and even
economical aspects of life. A few possible physical
complications for bulimics include rupturing of the stomach,
liver, heart or lung damage, mouth sores, destroyed tooth
enamel, and destroyed bowel function due to repeated laxative
abuse that can cause constant diarrhea or rectal bleeding. As
you can see the results of an eating disorder are devastating.
Of course, an eating disorder brings more than physical
complications; the disorder affects their social and family
life. Most people with an eating disorder become depressed and
withdraw or isolate themselves from friends and family.
In reported cases, anorexia and bulimia combined affect almost 10 million women and 1 million men (primarily teens and young adults). It is estimated the peak onset of an eating disorder among girls occurs at ages 11-13. (Statistics from National Eating Disorders Association website: http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=754) Bulimia nervosa is more common than anorexia nervosa, and it has been estimated that up to 10% of college students are bulimic (Williams, 2005).
For more information on eating disorders, click on these topics:
Here are a few websites that may provide more information
about eating disorders:
References:
1. Kolodny, N. (2004). The beginner's guide to eating disorder
recovery. Carlsbad, CA: Gürze Books.
2. Williams, M. (2005). Nutrition for health, fitness, &
sport. 7th Ed. New York: McGraw Hill.
3. National eating disorders
association urges parents and teens to 'get real'. (2004).
Retrieved Feb. 8, 2005 from National Eating Disorders
Association website:
http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/p.asp?WebPage_ID=754
Last update: Monday, August 07, 2006
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