Anorexia Nervosa

It was only in 1979 that bulimia nervosa was recognised by doctors as an eating disorder in its own right.

The term bulimia nervosa means literally 'the nervous hunger of an ox'. The hunger, however, is really an emotional need that cannot be satisfied by food alone. After binge-eating a large quantity of food to fill the emotional or hunger gap, there is an urge to immediately get rid of the food by vomiting or taking laxatives, by starving or reducing food intake, or by working off the calories with exercise in an attempt not to gain weight.

You are most likely to develop bulimia in your late teens to early 20s. This sometimes occurs because of a belief that bulimia will help you to diet successfully where other attempts to lose weight have failed. It is also often associated with low self-esteem or a general lack of self-confidence. Many suffers have previously had anorexia.

Bulimia is more difficult for others to notice as you tend not to lose weight so dramatically, or your weight will fluctuate. Even people close to you at home or work may not recognise the illness, so it can persist for many years undetected. People with bulimia may have demanding jobs that require them to be out-going and self-assured even when they feel inadequate inside. As with anorexia, people who develop bulimia become reliant on the control of food and eating as a way of coping with emotional difficulties in their life. You may also find you become obsessed with maintaining your weight.

How Bulimia affects your body:

Frequent weight changes
Irregular 'periods' or loss of interest in sex
Sore throat, tooth decay and bad breath caused by excessive vomiting
Swollen salivary glands making the face rounder
Lethargy and tiredness
Poor skin condition and possible hair loss
Increased risk of heart problems and problems with other internal organs

Psychological affects of bulimia:

Uncontrollable urges to eat vast amounts of food
Isolation - feeling helpless and lonely
Distorted perception of body weight and shape
An obsession with food, or feeling 'out of control' around food
Anxiety and depression; low self-esteem, shame and guilt
Emotional behaviour and mood swings