Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder, similar in many ways to Anorexia Nervosa. The sufferer is obsessed with their weight and their perception is that they are very overweight. The main difference is the way the weight loss is controlled with Bulimia. The main characteristic of Bulimia is that sufferers will often overeat and then force themselves to be sick. Other symptoms include the use of appetite suppressants, periods of starvation and the use of laxatives. Sufferers of Bulimia tend to binge on comfort foods mainly - chocolate, cakes , sweets etc. This only reinforces the view that this is a psychological illness.

The cause of Bulimia is still currently unknown. However doctors do feel that it begins with a dissatisfaction of the sufferer's body. The sufferer normally suffers with low self-esteem.


What to Do

There is no specific treatment to recommend as each treatment is based on the individual.
However they all follow a pattern:

1) Restore the person to a healthy weight through healthy eating.
2) Cure any health problems that have arisen due to the bulimia.
3) Deal with the sufferer's fears regarding their feelings and thoughts on weight loss.
4) Address any other issues that may have been the trigger for bulimia.
5) Bring friends and family into the loop to support the sufferer through their recovery.
6) Contact one of the many support centres that deal with bulimia.