Signs You May Have Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa, often known as bulimia, is a serious and sometimes fatal eating disorder. Bulimics may binge — eat a big amount of food without control — and then purge, attempting to get rid of the additional calories in an unhealthy way.
Bulimia patients may employ a variety of techniques to burn calories and avoid weight gain. After bingeing, for example, you may self-induce vomiting or abuse laxatives, weight-loss supplements, diuretics, or enemas.
You're probably preoccupied with your weight and body shape if you have bulimia. You may hold a harsh and bitter opinion of yourself because of your perceived flaws. Bulimia can be difficult to overcome because it is linked to one's self-image rather than merely eating. Effective treatment, on the other hand, can help you feel better about yourself, change your eating habits, and reverse major issues.
Below are a few signs that may show you that you have Bulimia, so if you feel it necessary, please visit a doctor so that you can take care of your body in a healthy, and safe way.
Signs you may have Bulimia
Bulimia signs and symptoms may include:
- Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight
- Living in fear of gaining weight
- Repeated episodes of eating abnormally large amounts of food in one sitting
- Feeling a loss of control during bingeing — like you can't stop eating or can't control what you eat
- Forcing yourself to vomit or exercising too much to keep from gaining weight after bingeing
- Using laxatives, diuretics or enemas after eating when they're not needed
- Fasting, restricting calories or avoiding certain foods between binges
- Using dietary supplements or herbal products excessively for weight loss
The severity of bulimia is determined by the number of times a week that you purge, usually at least once a week for at least three months.
Signs that others around you may have Bulimia
Red flags that family and friends should notice include:
- Constantly worrying or complaining about being fat
- Having a distorted, excessively negative body image
- Repeatedly eating unusually large quantities of food in one sitting, especially foods the person would normally avoid
- Strict dieting or fasting after binge eating
- Not wanting to eat in public or in front of others
- Going to the bathroom right after eating, during meals or for long periods of time
- Exercising too much
- Having sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands
- Having damaged teeth and gums
- Changing weight
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Facial and cheek swelling from enlarged glands
Steps to Bulimia recovery
-Acknowledging the unhealthy relationship with food
- Talk to someone you trust about your issue. Don't be ashamed about your potential Bulimia
- Avoid the people, places, entertainment, and activities that trigger your disorder and harm your self-esteem
- Talk to a professional to regain your confidence and build a healthy relationship with your body
- Consider the possibility of an underlying mood disorder like depression and anxiety