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What is Bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating, followed by frantic efforts to avoid gaining weight.
History/Origin of Item
Bulimia was first described in 1979 by Gerald F.M. Russell. He described the key clinical features of bulimia in 30 patients whom he had seen between 1972 and 1978.
Specific examples: People who suffer from bulimia nervosa stuff themselves often. They just eat whatever is close at hand and afterwards they try to throw up everything. These rituals of stuffing themselves are attempts to forget their problems.
How long they should last before concern: if you are doing it regularly, on purpose
Culture. Women in the U.S. are under constant pressure to fit a certain ideal of beauty. Seeing images of flawless, thin females everywhere makes it hard for women to feel good about their bodies. Families. If you have a mother or sister with bulimia, you are more likely to also have bulimia. Parents who think looks are important, diet themselves, or criticize their children's bodies are more likely to have a child with bulimia. Life changes or stressful events. Traumatic events (like rape), as well as stressful things (like starting a new job), can lead to bulimia. Personality traits. A person with bulimia may not like herself, hate the way she looks, or feel hopeless. She may be very moody, have problems expressing anger, or have a hard time controlling impulsive behaviors. Biology. Genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain may be factors in developing bulimia.
Role of exercise:
Though many of us worry about getting enough exercise, there is such a thing as too much exercise. Regular exercise is a good thing, but more is not always better and in some cases, compulsive exercise can be just as dangerous as eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia.
Compulsive exercise is just another tool some people use to purge their body of calories, much like a bulimic who binges and purges.
Role of family support given: Offer compassion and support. Keep in mind that the person may get defensive or angry. But if he or she does open up, listen without judgment and make sure the person knows you care. Avoid insults, scare tactics, guilt trips, and patronizing comments. Since bulimia is often a caused and exacerbated by stress, low self-esteem, and shame, negativity will only make it worse. Accept your limits. As a parent or friend, there isnt a lot you can do to fix your loved ones bulimia. The person with bulimia must make the decision to move forward.
Management of problem long-term: The final phase of bulimia treatment involves targeting emotional issues that caused the eating disorder in the first place. Therapy may focus on relationship issues, underlying anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Wow's
About 8 million Americans suffer from Anorexia or bulimia, 7 million women, and 1 million men. About 20% of people that suffer from bulimia or anorexia will prematurely die from complications from their eating disorder such as suicide or heart problems
Wow's
Some celebrities that suffer from bulimia are... Paula Abdul, Justine Bateman, Karen Carpenter, Nadia Comenaci, Susan Dey, Jane Fonda, Tracey Gold, Elton John, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Cherry Boone O'neil, Barbara Niven, Alexandra Paul, Princess Di, Lynn Redgrave, Kathy Rigby, Joan Rivers, and Jeannine Turner.
PEOPLE
MacLean Preston Miles
Resources
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