Definition

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder. People who have bulimia are overly concerned with weight and body image. They eat very large amounts of food (called binging) and use inappropriate means to rid their bodies of the food (called purging). Purging may be done through vomiting, laxatives, or water pills. Excessive exercise or fasting may replace or be used along with purging. This cycle of binging and purging is used to prevent weight gain.

Causes

The exact cause of bulimia is unknown. Factors that may contribute to this condition include:

• Cultural bias toward thinness
• Changes in the level of brain chemicals
• Emotional stress
• Disturbed self-image

Risk Factors    TOP

Factors that increase your chance of developing bulimia include:

• Sex: female
• Age: 11-20 years old
• History of obesity
• Anxiety
• Mood disorder
• Family members who have had an eating disorder or mood disorder
• Low self-esteem
• Unhappiness with weight and size
• Career in which physical appearance is important

Symptoms    TOP

Behavioral symptoms include:

• Eating unusually large amounts of food at one time
• Feeling like eating is out of control
• Making yourself throw up
• Taking laxatives, enemas, water pills, or diet pills
• Exercising excessively
• Having dramatic changes in mood
• Having symptoms of depression
• Having difficulty controlling your impulses
• Abusing alcohol or drugs

Physical symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and heartburn
• Menstrual problems
• Swollen cheeks and jaw
• Sore throat
• Swollen salivary glands (in the mouth and throat)
• Bloating
• Stained or chipped teeth (due to contact with stomach acid)
• Cuts or scars on back of hands (from scraping skin on teeth during forced vomiting)

Bulimia may lead to other problems, including:

• Dental and throat problems from stomach acid that rises during vomiting
• Changes in body chemistry and fluids due to vomiting and abuse of laxatives or water pills

Symptoms of these complications include:

• Dizziness
• Feeling faint
• Thirst
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Constipation
• Irregular heartbeat
• Heart problems, including sudden death

People with bulimia have a high incidence of psychiatric conditions, including:

• Depression (often with rapid and wide swings in mood)
• Anxiety and panic disorder
• Drug and alcohol abuse or dependence

Diagnosis    TOP

The doctor will ask about:

• Your medical and psychological history
• The amount of food you eat
• The ways you to try to rid your body of food

The doctor will also do a physical exam. Your teeth will be checked for signs of erosion.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests—to look for chemical imbalances
• Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)—to look for heart problems due to purging
• Drug screening—to check for drug use

EKG Bulimia can lead to severe heart problems. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

A mental health professional may also perform a psychiatric exam and/or psychological tests.

Treatment    TOP

The goals of treatment are:

• To stop binging and purging
• To focus self-esteem away from body weight and shape

Treatments include:

Prevention    TOP

Healthy attitudes about food and your body help prevent bulimia nervosa. Suggestions include:

• Maintain a rational approach to dieting and food.
• Accept a realistic body image.
• Take pride in what you do well.
• Set realistic goals.
• Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you think:
  • Your desire to be thin is getting out of control
  • You may be developing an eating disorder
• If you have a friend/family member who may have bulimia, encourage this person to get help.