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Bulimia is a disease that is characterized by excessive eating followed by self-induced vomiting and diarrhea. This disease usually strikes women in there 20s. As much as, 20% of college students engage in bulimic behaviors.
People who are diagnosed with bulimia engage in a series of behaviors. First, they regularly binge eat (excessive food intake). Second, Their binges are uncontrollable. Third, they vomit, take laxatives, or adhere to a strict diet. Four, they have an average of two binge eating episodes a week. Fifth, they are overly concerned with their body.
Women who have bulimia generally appear out going and sociable. But they have low self-esteem and a fear of abandonment. Their women often are in need of control and constant approval from others. Vomiting or laxative use may feel good to him or her giving them a sense of relief and control.
Not only is bulimia an emotional disease, but also a physical disease. If left untreated bulimia could lead to the following:
Damaged teeth (Acid from stomach may cause tooth damage)
Throat Irritation (The throat has no protection against acid and may lead to permanent scaring)
Esophageal Damage
Swollen Salivary Glands
Broken Blood Vessel (Vomiting puts strains on your facial muscles resulting in broken vessels from excessive vomiting)
Cracked damaged Lips (also a result of acid from the stomach)
Rectal Bleeding (Excessive laxative use leads to damage of the large intestines)
Heart damage (When you vomit excessively you put excess strain on your heart, which may lead to permanent damage)
Dehydration (excessive vomiting results in fluid loss)
Bulimia is harder to spot than other eating disorders. These people appear normal and engage in normal activities. Bulimics usually maintain their normal body weigh and are very outgoing people.
If you feel someone you know may suffer from bulimia. Confront him or her about their eating behaviors but do not scold them. Be supportive. If you have trouble getting through to him or her, contact family members and definitely try to get professional help for him or her.
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