Written by:

Danny Smith

Medically Reviewed by:

Dr Mateen Durrani – MBBS, DPM, MSc, BCPsych

Last Updated:

September 30th, 2024

Bulimia

Bulimia Nervosa is one of the most harmful eating disorders but also among the most misunderstood. Many people have pictures of stick-thin sufferers putting their fingers down their throats after eating the tiniest of meals. The reality of Bulimia is far more complex and many of us know someone with Bulimia without ever realising it. Understanding what Bulimia involves, its causes and effects and the signs of Bulimia to look out for can all play a part in helping those we care about overcome this terrible condition.

What is Bulimia?

Bulimia Nervosa, or just Bulimia as it is commonly known, is one of the most widely occurring eating disorders in the UK and worldwide. It involves struggling with cycles of eating large amounts of food in a short period (binge eating) and then trying to eliminate the extra calories in unhealthy ways (purging). Purging can be done in a few different ways but usually include:

• Vomiting
• Using laxatives
• Fasting
• Exercising frequently

People with Bulimia often feel trapped in these cycles and experience a lot of guilt and shame about their eating habits. If you are in this situation, it is important to know that having Bulimia is nothing to feel guilty or ashamed about – it is a recognised medical condition that needs professional Bulimia treatment.

Bulimia can affect anyone, but it most often occurs in teenagers and young adults, particularly females. However, males can also suffer from Bulimia and numbers have been rising over recent years. This is thought to be a mixture of both increased Bulimia rates among males and also more males seeking treatment as eating disorders become less stigmatised.

How to spot the signs of Bulimia

Bulimia can have both obvious and more hidden signs, but knowing what to look for can help you support someone who is struggling:

• Frequent trips to the bathroom after meals to be sick
• Excessive exercising
• Swollen cheeks and jaw from vomiting a lot
• Dental problems from stomach acid being in the mouth from vomiting
• Finding laxatives and laxative packets in a person’s home or car
• Constantly worrying about weight, even if they seem to be a normal weight
• Unusual eating habits like cutting food into tiny pieces, eating alone or hiding food
• Noticeable changes in weight, going up and down frequently
• Constantly appearing or feeling tired or weak due to poor nutrition or the effects of purging

If you notice these signs of Bulimia in a friend or family member, remember that your intervention could help save their life.

What causes Bulimia?

Bulimia Nervosa is a complex disorder with no single cause. In most cases, people who develop Bulimia have different causes which often have little to do with food or weight in general. Here are some of the most common causes:

Family history

In the same way that eye colour can be inherited from your parents, other more dangerous traits and vulnerabilities can be too. This unfortunately means that if someone in your family suffers from an eating disorder, you could be more likely to develop one too.

Emotional and mental health issues

People with depression, anxiety or low self-esteem and those who have suffered trauma or abuse are all more likely to develop Bulimia. These emotional struggles can make life very difficult and Bulimia can become a way to cope.

One study found that 21% – 59% of people with eating disorders had suffered child abuse and that their conditions were usually more severe and began at an earlier age.

Pressure from society

Social media can be very useful but it also exposes us to unrealistic beauty and weight standards. Photoshopped celebrities, influencers and even friends and family can make it seem like we are the only ones who don’t look perfect. This is particularly problematic for young people who tend to use social media the most.

Strict or extreme dieting

Going on very strict diets can gradually lead to Bulimia as you lose perspective of what healthy eating looks like. For example, if you seriously restrict your eating, your hungry body may react in desperation and trigger a binge eating episode. This can then cause you to panic or feel guilty and purge to get rid of what you have been eating.

If this cycle repeats itself, then you can become trapped in a cycle of Bulimia. Extreme dieting may be due to personal reasons or for a job or hobby like modelling, ballet, or fighting sports, which require a weigh-in.

Stressful life events

Big changes or stressful events, like moving to a new place, having problems in relationships or being bullied at school, can all trigger Bulimia. These events can be very difficult to manage and Bulimia can seem like a way to gain control over at least one part of your life.

The dangers of Bulimia

Bulimia Nervosa can really take a toll on both your body and your mind and can even be a deadly condition if it goes untreated. Here are some of the most serious Bulimia symptoms, which show why getting help is so important:

Physical Bulimia symptoms

Causing yourself to throw up is the most common way people with Bulimia purge, but this can cause so many physical health problems, including:

• Dehydration
• Mineral shortages or imbalances leading to muscle cramps, irregular heartbeats and even heart failure
• Gum problems, cavities and enamel erosion
• Damage to your stomach and digestive system, causing pain, bloating and constipation

Using laxatives or diuretics is another common way to purge and this can hurt your digestive tract and kidneys over time. In the most severe cases of Bulimia, malnutrition and organ failure are serious consequences which can be fatal.

Mental and emotional effects

Bulimia can make you feel ashamed or guilty about your eating habits and the constant cycle of bingeing and purging can become physically and mentally exhausting. It can make existing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety worse and can also create new ones.

Having to keep Bulimia a secret from your loved ones can also have a huge impact on your happiness and overall mental health. The fear of being found out can make you become isolated from your friends and family and this allows Bulimia to keep you trapped alone and vulnerable.

What does Bulimia treatment involve?

The single most important thing to understand about Bulimia is that it is treatable. Banbury Lodge is Oasis Bradford’s sister centre and one of the UK’s leading Bulimia treatment centres.

Effective Bulimia rehab treatment takes a holistic approach, which helps you change your eating habits but also looks deeply into the personal causes behind the disorder that we discussed above. This usually involves a combination of medical care, nutritional counselling and therapy.

Medical care ensures that any physical health issues caused by Bulimia are addressed.

Nutritional counselling helps you develop a healthy relationship with food and create balanced eating habits. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), focuses on understanding why your Bulimia developed and how to move forward without it.

After completing your Bulimia treatment programme, continued support is then available through aftercare services, including group therapy sessions, to help you stay on track.

Get help for Bulimia today

If you or someone you care about is struggling with Bulimia, Banbury Lodge can help end the suffering. Our sister centre offers comprehensive inpatient Bulimia treatment programmes where you will receive expert care from our team of experienced professionals. They provide a supportive environment where you can work on your recovery without distractions and build a new life free from the grips of Bulimia. Contact us today to find out more about how to get started.

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