Bulimia nervosa is a very serious disorder that affects many folks from all lifestyles. It is also rapidly beginning to affect individuals at a younger age than ever before. One of the main reasons for this increase is due to the media. People, including adolescents, are force fed images of those who are unusually thin and these images can begin to direct one to an unhealthy, distorted self-image, which in turn can lead to anorexia and bulimia nervosa. If parents and loved ones are not aware of eating disorders and their symptoms, then they may fail to notice a family member who has developed dangerous eating habits in their mission to be thin like their favourite celebrity icon.
Many people may not be aware of the different types of bulimia nervosa. There are two types, which are the purging, and the non-purging type. For those who engage in this binge eating disorder and purge, they do so by inducing vomit and by misusing laxatives in their quest to be thin. For those who use the method of non-purging, they may involve themselves in the act of excessive exercise or fasting. However, unlike anorexia, those who suffer do not starve themselves, instead they become involved in compulsive overeating.
The symptoms of bulimia nervosa may be hard to spot unless one is aware of them. For example, if someone you know seems to be consistently eating huge amounts of food in short time frames and yet does not gain weight, then a loved one may be right to have concerns about them having bulimia nervosa. As a parent or loved one, if you suspect someone is suffering from an eating disorder, then help them by demanding or suggesting a visit to the doctor.
The negative effects that bulimia nervosa can leave on a person are enormous. The reality is that increasingly, more young people are being affected by this debilitating disorder. It is a serious condition that, if left untreated, can lead to a person’s ultimate death. However, if one is aware of the symptoms, then perhaps the disorder can be avoided. Otherwise, one’s life will be ruled by unhealthy eating habits.