Nutrition Topics > Eating Disorders

Bulimia

Symptoms of bulimia include:
• Repeated episodes of binge eating which are characterized by:
- Consuming extremely large amounts of food in a short period of time.
- An overwhelming sense of lack of control over eating during the binge episode.
• Behaviors following bingeing in order to prevent weight gain such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or abuse of laxatives and/or diuretics.
• These inappropriate behaviors occur, on average, at least twice a week for three months.
• Feelings toward oneself is overly influenced by body shape and weight.

Personality Characteristics
Eating disorder athletes share the following similar personality traits:
• Low self esteem
• Feelings of helplessness
• Perfectionists
• Good students
• Excellent athletes
• Clinically depressed
• Anxious
• Psychiatric disorders

Bulimics often struggle with addictions, which are not found in anorexic patients. These addictions can include abuse of alcohol, drugs, and/or compulsive stealing.

Early intervention is crucial!
Eating disorders are most successfully treated when diagnosed early. Unfortunately, even when confronted by their family or a physician, the individuals with eating disorders may deny that they have a problem. Therefore, getting and keeping people with these disorders into treatment can be extremely difficult. Families and friends offering support and encouragement can play an important role in the success of the treatment program.

What should professional therapy consist of?
For those patients who have been diagnosed with an eating disorder, a multidisciplinary approach to management is essential. It should include the following professionals:
• Nutrition counseling by a registered dietitian.
• Treatment of the emotional disorder by a therapist experienced in the care of eating disorders.
• Ongoing care by a physician, to address medical issues.

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