Knowing Bulimia Nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is a very serious disorder that affects many people from all walks of life. It is also quickly beginning to affect individuals at a younger age than ever before. One of the main reasons for this increase is due to the media.

People, including adolescents, are force fed images of those who are abnormally thin and these images can begin to direct one to an unhealthy, distorted self image, which in turn can lead to anorexia and bulimia. If parents and loved ones are not aware of eating disorders and their symptoms, then they may overlook a family member who has developed dangerous eating habits in their quest to be thin like their beloved celebrity icon.

Many people may not understand the different types of bulimia nervosa. Basically, there are two types. The purging and the non-purging type. For those who engage in this binge eating disorder and purge, they do so by inducing vomit and by misusing laxatives in their quest to be thin.

For those who use the method of non-purging, they may involve themselves in the act of excessive exercise or fasting. However, unlike anorexia, those who suffer do not starve themselves, instead they become involved in compulsive overeating.

Loved ones must understand the symptoms that accompany this disorder, especially if they suspect someone to have bulimia nervosa. Look for a massive amount of food consumption in a short time frame.

For example, within a two hour period. If the person is consistently eating larger amounts of food than what is normal and yet not gaining any weight, then they may have bulimia nervosa. Another thing to be aware of is, if a person exhibits any lack of control over their binge eating. Knowing these eating disorder symptoms may save a loved one's life.

Bulimia nervosa can stem from a severe distorted self image, which usually takes shape when a person is young. However, parents or guardians can help one to avoid this devastating disorder by helping them to keep a positive self-image.

If a susceptible young person is consistently bombarded with images from the media depicting the Hollywood version of the perfect body size, then one has a better chance of developing an eating disorder in an attempt to emulate this vision.

If one knows the symptoms, then perhaps this can be avoided.