Effects of Bulimia

The effects of bulimia can cause immediate and lasting severe health consequences for those caught in this vicious cycle. Bulimia signs are earmarked by repeated uncontrollable urges to eat large amounts of food in a short period of time called binging. After binging, the bulimic often induces vomiting, uses laxatives, enemas, diuretics or diet pills to prevent weight gain. Some individuals purge themselves by maintaining strict diets between binges.

The signs of this disorder should not be confused with the signs of anorexia. Effects of bulimia can be as severe a health risk as anorexia but whereas bulimics binge on high calorie foods, the anorexic restricts food intake altogether. Individuals suffering from this disorder are plagued by the irresistible urges to binge on food with high calorie content such as ice cream, candy bars, cookies and pudding. A binge typically lasts about two hours and only stops when the bulimic gets a stomachache or feels sleepy.

This disorder can often lead to depression, guilt and shame. Individuals realize their behavior is abnormal and out of control. Bulimia signs are patterns of binging behavior and vary from person to person. Some bulimics binge several times a day for a few days, then not at all for a very long time. Other bulimia signs are more predictable patterns of behavior by binging and purging three times a week.

Although, there is no conclusive evidence linking bulimia to biological factors such as a brain chemical imbalance, the brain sends messages to turn off the desire to eat more after the individual has consumed an unusual amount of food. The effects of bulimia trick the brain into feeling satisfied, but in actuality, the person is in a food-deprived state. Some bulimics adopt this abnormal eating pattern for professional reasons.

Dancers, actors, models and athletes whose careers depend upon staying thin will purge themselves with laxatives or induce vomiting. One of the most famous bulimics in recent history was Princess Diana of England. The effects of bulimia lead her into a lifetime of misery and speculation in tabloid headlines and a lifelong obsession with the staying thin. Society plays a larger role to emphasize the ideal thin female form and greatly influences young women to obtain societies' expectations.

This disease is very destructive and will eventually take its toll on the body. Physical consequences of bulimia include broken blood vessels, dehydration, tremors, blurred vision, cramps, constipation, internal bleeding, infections, damage to the bowel, liver and kidney damage, loss of tooth enamel, or suicidal depression. The devastating effects of this disorder can be avoided through intervention, awareness and professional medical treatment. Prayer for healing and strength to fight this battle is also very important. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1). The individual, relatives, and friends must aware of bulimia signs and seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

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