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The Battle of Bulimia
In a world where a person's worth tends to be
measured by appearance, it is little wonder that we have so
many young women falling into the trap of eating disorders.
This obsession with achieving the perfect figure has led to
one of the most dangerous and life-threatening epidemics of
our time.
Bulimia is but one of a growing number of eating
disorders recognized in our modern society. It is a serious
disorder characterized by binge eating followed by forced
vomiting or by purging using laxatives. People with bulimia
go through this ritual in order to avoid the weight gain which
would normally accompany an eating binge.
Why people get this condition is largely unknown
and prone to speculation though it is commonly believed that
family and social pressure, as well as unrealistic portrayals
of perfect body image in the media, play a significant role.
The person is also likely to have intense psychological problems.
Unlike people with anorexia, sufferers of bulimia
are not as obvious as they normally remain within about twenty
percent of their normal weight range. This makes it difficult
for a doctor to diagnose. A person with anorexia has the obvious
signs of emaciation but with a bulimia sufferer, it is really
necessary to observe the binge eating. Because binge eating
is usually carried out secretively, this can create a problem
in reaching an early diagnosis.
The person is likely to come from a middle-class
or upper-class family who are very controlling and put great
importance on achievement. The person is often led to believe
that diet and figure are of extreme importance. Thus, the
person with bulimia, already suffering from a distorted body
image, loses their self-esteem.
Because they suffer from bouts of insatiable
hunger, they must then compensate for their binges by removing
the food from their body by whatever means they can in order
to achieve the image acceptable to the parents and to society
in general.
These episodes of induced vomiting and purging
bring with them another lot of medical problems. In the case
of repeated vomiting, the acid irritates the esophagus and
pharynx, leaving them inflamed. The acid also affects the
teeth, leaving them sharp and rough. Laxative abuse can cause
hemorrhoids as well as chronic constipation. Vomiting and
the abuse of laxatives can both cause dehydration and electrolyte
imbalances.
Treatment often relies on hospitalization where
the person receives psychiatric counseling to try to uncover
the underlying causes and to help the person to self recovery
through understanding of their own issues. There is often
group therapy involved as well.
The physical problems are treated symptomatically
and also include a diet regime that can control weight without
the dangers that this obsession of bulimia can bring. The
person should continue with counseling for quite some time
after returning home from hospital.
Although bulimia is a serious disorder, death
is rare. By seeking treatment and with the loving support
of family and friends, the sufferer can eventually return
to normal eating habits and a normal, happy and healthy lifestyle.
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About the Author:
Anne Wolski has worked in the health and welfare industry
for over 30 years and is also co director of http://www.magnetic-health-online.com
which is a health information portal of many interesting articles
by people in the medical industry, as well as http://www.pharmacybyweb.com
which has online physicians who can answer your medical questions.
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