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| Bulimia |
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| What is bulimia? |
| Bulimia or bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder
characterized by repeated episodes of overeating and a preoccupation with
the control of body weight. Studies have shown that up to one per cent of
the population suffers from bulimia nervosa at any one time. |
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| What are the symptoms of bulimia? |
| According to the World Health Organisation, the
criteria for diagnosis of bulimia nervosa include the following: |
- Persistent preoccupation with eating and an irresistible craving for
food
- Episodes of overeating in which large amounts of food are consumed
in short periods of time
- Excessive exercise, induced vomiting after eating, starving for periods
of time or taking drugs such as laxatives or diuretics to counteract
the bingeing
- Some people with bulimia have a fear of obesity. This is also seen
in people with anorexia nervosa, and there is some overlap in the symptoms
of these two diseases
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| What is the cause of bulimia? |
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The cause of bulimia nervosa is as yet unknown. A person's social environment
and social or cultural pressure in some countries for women to aspire
to have an unnaturally slim figure may lead to bulimia. However, most
people with bulimia nervosa maintain a normal body weight. Patients with
bulimia nervosa often suffer from low self-esteem.
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| What are the symptoms of bulimia nervosa? |
| People with this condition often feel too fat and
generally dissatisfied with their physical appearance. They may decide to
eat less and avoid fattening foods. They may also become preoccupied with
food and eating. They will have episodes of craving for food and bingeing.
Bingeing may take place in secret. After bingeing, sufferers feel guilty,
and may make themselves sick. |
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| How can such people help themselves? |
| Recognition of the problem and seeking help from
one's family doctor are important. It is also advisable to read self-help
books and detailed information about bulimia. |
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| How does this condition progress? |
Some cases of bulimia nervosa are short-lived.
But most often the symptoms will be present for some months or years before
a person seeks help. The disease can persist for years, and in some people
the symptoms may be present all their lives.
Bingeing and vomiting can cause physical problems including damage to teeth
due to acid from the stomach and heart problems due to salt depletion from
the body. |
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| What is the treatment for bulimia? |
Treatment is aimed at the symptoms of bulimia nervosa
and correcting any associated problems such as low self-esteem or depression.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a form of psychological therapy,
has been found to be an effective treatment for many patients. Further research
is being carried out into other forms of psychological therapy, which may
also be helpful.
A doctor may prescribe antidepressant medication to treat the symptoms
of bulimia nervosa. Sometimes a combination of psychological therapy and
drug therapy proves to be effective. |
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