What is bulimia?
Bulimia is a eating disorder characterized by excessive binge eating. Extreme efforts to avoid weight gaining by vomiting or excessively exercising would follow after frequent episodes of binge eating. This cycle causes damage to the digestive system causing chemical imbalances in the body which harm the functioning of major organs, which may include the heart. This eating disorder can even be fatal.
Signs & SymptomsBulimia signs and symptoms may include episodes of binge eating, self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives and diuretics, body image disturbance, feelings of guilt or shame about eating, depression or irritability, withdrawal from family and friends after meals, and hypertensive. |
CausesThe exact cause of bulimia is unknown. Many factors could play a role in the development of eating disorders, including genetics, biology, emotional health, societal expectations and other issues. Stressful transitions or life changes, history of abuse or trauma, negative body image, poor self-esteem, professionals or activities that focus on appearance/performance. |
TreatmentWhen you have bulimia, you may need several types of treatment, although combining psychotherapy with antidepressants may be the most effective for overcoming the disorder. Treatment generally involves a team approach that includes you, your family, your primary care provider, a mental health professional and a dietitian experienced in treating eating disorders. You may have a case manager to coordinate your care. |
According to The National Association of Anorexia and Associated disorders eight million people in the U.S. have bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and other related eating disorders.
OUR GOALBulimia is more about an individual's attempt to deal with emotional issues. Our goal is to educate our society on identifying unhealthy behaviors and help to address emotional issues, so others can overcome. |
First Let'sDiscover
We are students in the PALM Academy from Palm Springs High School involved with a health fair to help get the word out about Bulimia.
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Now let's WORKConserve
Tracey Gold once said, Anorexia, you starve yourself. Bulimia, you binge and purge. You eat huge amounts of food until you're sick and then you throw up. And anorexia, you just deny yourself. It's about control.
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IT'S UP TO USChange
We would like to see a change in the population decreasing on who is suffering from this disorder.
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