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20 Facts About Bulimia: What You Need to Know

About 3% of females suffer from bulimia or scientifically known as bulimia nervosa (BN) during their lifetime. For males, the figure is over 1% of those who develop the condition throughout their life.

What’s more, you can find details of these statistics from the September 2021 report on the Incidence, prevalence, and mortality of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. The report findings are credited to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Bulimia is a medically proven eating disorder. Victims of the syndrome take in large amounts of food uncontrollably for short periods. Afterward, they engage in different forms of activities to rid the food from their intestines. Thus purging (self-induced vomiting) is popular. While excessive exercises and fasting are also practiced by bulimia nervosa patients. Get more insights into the disorder below.

Here are the 20 Facts About Bulimia: What You Need to Know.

1. Bulimia starts in the brain

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Bulimia is classified as an eating disorder as well as a mental disorder. This is according to reports by the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD).

Furthermore, researchers have found that there is a close link between the illness and reduced serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical that facilitates communication between the brain’s nerve cells and the entire body. Thus it is key in affecting mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, sexual desire, blood clotting, and more.

Check out the Must-know Facts About Eating Disorders.

2. Bulimia nervosa can also be inherited

In the past, Bulimia has been associated with sociocultural origins to a great extent. That is slowly changing as per findings by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Moreover, with increased family, twin, and molecular genetic studies, NCBI has seen a positive reflection of eating disorders to genetics. These disorders include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.

3. Binge eating is a crucial characteristic of Bulimia

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Most victims of this eating disorder experience bingeing which refers to unrestrained episodes of overeating. Those with the disorder tend to eat large amounts of food than normal within a short period, like two hours.

Additionally, these binge eating cycles can happen daily or several times a week. Those suffering from the disorder have little to no self-control over their urge.

4. After the food comes the guilt

Bulimia nervosa patients go through conscience conviction after the excess feeding. Hence they force the food out through different methods. Some practice purging. This means they commit self-induced vomiting or use medication to clear their intestines.

To add on, some of the medicines often used for purging are such as laxatives meant to treat constipation. Enemas which stimulate the emptying of the bowels are also used. In some cases, they use diuretics which help the body rid of water and salt.

There is also the nonpurging lot that makes use of alternative behaviors to rid their excess food intake. So they are involved in activities like fasting and excessive exercise.

5. Body weight is no longer an indicator of bulimia

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Many of those diagnosed with bulimia nervosa hardly show unusual body weight figures. Their weight is normal making it difficult to tell if one suffers from the condition by their physical appearance. Since various purging methods are also practiced by many of the victims, it keeps their body weight at normal balance.

6. Bulimia is more prevalent in women than in men

Epidemiological studies have revealed that women are most affected by eating disorders than men. Hence bulimia nervosa (BN) is one of the more common eating disorders prevalent in females than in males.

What’s more, a July 2009 survey by the National Center for Biotechnology Information showed that binge eating in women was at 4.9%, and for men, stood at 4.0%. This NCBI report was titled Gender Difference in the Prevalence of Eating Disorder Symptoms.

7. The younger women are the worst hit

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The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) findings point out that 1.0% of young women and 0.1% of young men at any time meet the criteria of bulimia nervosa diagnosis. Also, a 2007 research released by the Biological Psychiatry Journal reflected that 13.2% of girls aged 8 years up to 20 years had experienced an eating disorder including bulimia.

To boot, experts hold the view that bulimia starts to show in young women in their late teen years up to their early twenties. It is also found in older women and children but is common among younger females. In general, about 1.1% to 4.6% of females suffer from bulimia compared to 0.1% to 0.5% of males who develop the disorder.

Discover Famous People And Celebrities Who Struggled With Eating Disorders.

8. Bulimia nervosa has various tell-tale symptoms

This eating disorder exhibits signs such as an obsession with body shape and weight. Other symptoms include excessive fear of gaining weight and consuming abnormally high amounts of food within a short time.

On top of that, people with the condition often express guilt, shame, and distress feelings about their eating habits. They may also show high levels of emotional imbalances and show social withdrawal or isolation tendencies. In severe cases, suicidal thoughts also pop up in their conversations.

9. Negative self-image is a high contributor to Bulimia

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Different factors propel this eating disorder. A negative self-image is an enemy from within that has a direct link to many of the eating disorders. Bulimia is no exception as proven by socio-behavioral models. Thus negative self-image leads to associated psychological effects like low self-esteem. This further promotes the development of bulimia.

10. Positive mindset and body image are bulletproof concepts against bulimia

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published a report in 2009 titled Special Diets Among Adults: United States, 2015–2018. Their analysis concluded that 17.1% of U.S. adults from 20 years old at the time of the report, were on a daily special diet. Obesity and overweight cases are the key contributors to such factors. The ripple effect is low body positivity and body unacceptance.

Subsequently, eating disorders like bulimia escalate. Hence for recovery, the positivity of both mind and body is crucial. Besides, body acceptance (appreciating your body as it is) and body neutrality (believing there’s neither a good nor bad body) are also encouraged.

11. Professional help plays a significant role

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Bulimia nervosa is not a condition to dismiss or wish away, professional medical help should be sought. It is important to visit a health facility for diagnosis and treatment once you exhibit the symptoms associated with the illness.

Medics play the role of proper recommendation for the right method of treatment. This is because sometimes a combination of therapy, medication, and nutritional counseling is needed.

12. Bulimia can co-exist with other disorders

As per medical statistics, about half of those with bulimia disorder have co-occurring (comorbid) disorders. The frequent comorbidities are mood disorders like major depressive disorder. Anxiety disorders are also prevalent with the most common being obsessive-compulsive disorder and social anxiety disorder.

Over and above that, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as trauma, are also evident in some bulimia patients. Not forgetting substance use disorders and personality disorders for example borderline personality disorder (BPD). Sexual dysfunction, self-injury practices, and suicidal desires also make part of the list.

13. Psychotherapy is one of the most effective remedies for bulimia

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Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is often used as a corrective measure for the syndrome. Thus there is a tailored manual specific for bulimia nervosa (BN), known as the (CBT-BN). Besides this, other psychotherapies embrace a different framework while others modify the CBT approach. All these methods work towards addressing bulimia.

Learn about another eating disorder, Anorexia Nervosa.

14. Bulimia can spark oral health challenges

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This disorder has severe effects on teeth and oral health as a whole. It leads to cavities, eroded tooth surfaces, and dental pain. Bulimia also exposes the mouth to high levels of bacteria, causes a dry mouth, swallowing problems, and enlarged glands.

Additionally, self-induced vomiting encourages stomach acid interaction with teeth which wears out the surface of the teeth. This has the effect of causing teeth sensitivity when taking cold or hot drinks.

Many of the purging victims brush their teeth after the act to conceal the smell of vomit. This distributes the acids from the stomach around the mouth. In return, it can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

More to it, people with bulimia experience low saliva production. Their saliva levels can be reduced by medication such as antidepressants and extreme exercises. Hence low saliva leaves teeth dry which supports an environment for bacteria survival leading to tooth decay. Saliva neutralizes bacteria so dry teeth are at a higher risk of decay than those coated with saliva.

Bear in mind that people with the syndrome crave high-sugar level foods which constitute unhealthy diets. These foods support bacteria formation encouraging tooth decay.

15. It can also have a toll on reproductive health

In both women and men bulimia nervosa has the potential to cause a decline in the production of sex hormones. The likes of estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone which control ovulation and menstruation in women and sperm count in men. Thus fertility concerns may arise in severe situations of bulimia.

Better yet, these sex hormones are affected to a great extent by the fluctuation in body weight of BN patients. In 60% of women with this condition, it contributes to amenorrhea which is the absence of a period. It can also result in oligomenorrhea which is infrequent or unpredictable menstruation. Men may suffer from low sperm count.

16. Bulimia ignites cardiovascular risks

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The frequent purging that bulimia patients undergo can cause dehydration leading to the dysfunction of cardiovascular systems. Also, their hearts can waste away due to reduced blood volume and high negative energy balance. In severe situations, it can lead to disruption of heartbeats, electrolyte imbalances, cardiac arrests, or heart failure.

17. Social support groups help fight bulimia

Different types of support groups like friends, family, and peers are important to help bulimia nervosa patients recover. The role played by these groups is that they help victims cope well with challenges on their journey to recovery.

Additionally, on the way to bulimia recovery patients suffer setbacks. They also face advanced symptoms of the condition. Thus with relevant support, they can go beyond their challenges.

18. Antidepressants are used in some cases

The Food and Drug Administration has medically approved the fluoxetine antidepressant for the prescription of bulimia patients. The medication is popular by its brand name Prozac. It has proven to be effective in reducing the binge-purge cycles linked with bulimia.

19. Family-based therapy (FBT) is needed for bulimia recovery

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Bulimia nervosa consists of various treatment methodologies including therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which we discussed earlier is often used. Yet there are other therapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP).

On top of that, various holistic therapy approaches are employed to help treat bulimia. Family-based therapy has proven successful in the recovery of bulimia especially in teenagers. It involves the high support of a professional therapist and family members in helping bulimia patients reach recovery.

Learn Essential Facts About Anxiety.

20. Full bulimia recovery requires patience

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With the right treatment and support, bulimia patients can enjoy a triumphant recovery. Though it is not a one-day affair and may be a long-term process that demands patience.

Statistics have it that less than half of adults with bulimia nervosa gain full recovery. About one-third experience an improved state of their condition but still show some symptoms. Another one-fifth end up in a chronically ill situation. This is per findings in a February 2021 report by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. The report’s title is Recovery From Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa at 22-Year Follow-Up.

Bulimia nervosa (BN) and other eating disorders call for high public sensitization. This helps arrest the condition early and prevents its severe effects. It also reduces the stigma associated with the illness. We hope you found these facts about bulimia helpful. So you can be part of the advocacy work by spreading the word around, even by sharing the information in this article.