Bulimia: What Can You Do About It?

Contrary to popular belief, bulimia is not exclusive to rail-thin models and Hollywood celebutantes. Anyone, from royalty like the late Princess Diana to your neighbor, friend, colleague, sibling, parent, and child can suffer and might be already suffering from this disorder.

While the disorder is also known by its proper medical name bulimia nervosa, it is more commonly referred to as the binge-and-purge eating disorder primarily because of how it occurs. People who suffer from bulimia often eat large amounts of food over a short time or binge which causes them to feel guilty. This guilt drives them to get rid of the food they ate as quickly as possible through purging. They usually resort to purging by means of forcing themselves to vomit or using laxatives.

If you suspect that a loved one like a spouse or child is suffering from bulimia, read on for some tips that can help you stop being helpless about it.

1. Keep a lookout for possible causes of bulimia.
A lot of daily things that you take for granted can be the driving force behind your partner or child's turn to bulimia. Some factors to consider include genetics, family values, depression and other related disorders, and cultural directives. Studies show that people who have family members and relatives who suffer from bulimia are more likely to develop the disorder too, while values that are rooted in the family (i.e. placing excessive importance to physical appearance) can also cause a person to become bulimic in order to conform. Cultural views also work the same way although in a larger scale. Keeping an eye out for these potential causes and taking steps to lower the risks can keep your loved one from suffering from bulimia.

2. Watch out for symptoms.
Since there is little chance that the person who is suffering from bulimia will actually let you catch him at the act of purging or binging, concentrate your efforts on spotting other symptoms like deteriorating personal relationships, dehydration and malnutrition, and dental problems. Keeping the binge-and-purge cycle a secret can strain the victim's relationship with other people while the stomach acid that comes up during purging destroys the teeth's enamel and causes oral cavities. Since food and fluids do not stay long enough in the patient's body for the nutrients to be absorbed, bulimic persons are also likely to suffer from malnutrition and dehydration.

3. Express concern in “I” terms.
While people who are suffering from bulimia are aware that they have a problem, most will react defensively when accused outright. Instead of saying “You are bulimic,” try using “I notice you are losing a lot of weight lately and I am getting worried.” Doing so gives the person a chance to open up about the drastic weight loss.

4. Encourage getting treatment.
Offer support for the bulimic person by means of contacting and getting him medical help. You can tell him to do it just to keep you from worrying. Once he agrees to seek treatment, remember to address also the psychological root of the disorder by seeking the help of a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist may prescribe the use of an antidepressant like fluoxetine which has gained favorable results when used for the treatment of eating disorders.

5. Show support during treatment.
Often, bulimic persons who are undergoing treatment are suffering from extremely low self-esteem. Remind loved one that a person’s true value lies on his accomplishments and personality rather than how skinny he is. Accompany him during doctor visits or if he chooses an in-patient option, visit regularly.

People who are suffering from bulimia are often in denial about the nature of their actions and how dangerous these can be to their health. As such, intervention is often necessary to help a bulimic recover from this eating disorder and develop healthier habits. Read on to find out how you can help your loved ones understand what bulimia is and how you can help them recover from it.

Kristine Anne Gonzaga is a content writer and researcher who specializes in health topics and health-related issues. She delights in finding tips and ideas on simple and practical healthcare and sharing them through her writing.Visit us at online pharmacy | order medications online

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