Frequently Asked Questions

What is an eating disorder?
Eating disorders are conditions in which individuals are preoccupied with food and weight that they can focus on little else. Eating disorders are mental illnesses

What are the different types of eating disorders?
There are many types but the most common are anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and bing-eating disorder

What is Bulimia?
Bulimia is an eating disorder that is two part, bingeing--eating an extreme amount of food in a short period of time--and purging--riding the body of extra calories through vomiting, excessive exercise, laxatives, or other means

What are some of the symptoms of Bulimia?
Abnormal bowel functioning
Damaged teeth and gums
Going to the bathroom consistently after eating
Exercising even when hurt
Swollen jaw or cheeks
Rough skin on knuckles (use of fingers to induce vomiting)
Bloating
Fatigue
Dry skin
Constantly dieting
Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior
Unhealthy focus on body shape and weight
Hoarding food
Depression or anxiety
Irregular menstrual cycle or loss of menstruation

What causes bulimia?
Bulimia is more than a problem with food and can be set off by a variety of things. Biological, physiological, family, genetic, environmental and social factors all have potential to play a part in bulimia and other eating disorders.

Who is at greatest risk of developing bulimia?
All are at risk of becoming bulimic although specific high risk people are:
Gender: females
Age: adolescent and early-adult years
Family influences: those who are not secure with their families, parents are overly critical, or are teased about their parents
Emotional disorders: depression, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive
Dieting: those who lose weight are often reinforced by positive comments from others about a change in their appearance and often take it too far
Transitions: those who are in situations of change or situations out of their control
Sports, work and artistic activities: athletes, actors, dancers, and models
Media and society: exposure to media focused on body shape and size

What are the complications that can come from bulimia?
Complications include but are not limited to: heart disease, depression, bone loss, stunted growth, nerve damage, seizures, digestive problems, tooth decay, ruptured esophagus, type 2 diabetes, and death

What is the treatment for bulimia?
Treatment often requires a team of professionals including medical doctors, dietitians, and mental health providers. Proper treatment often includes psychotherapy, nutrition education, hospitalization, and medications

How does bulimia affect pregnancy?
Bulimia can cause many diverse problems with pregnancy including miscarriage, high blood pressure in the mother, still-born, low birth weight, birth defects, and problems breast feeding

What should I do if I think someone I know has bulimia?
If someone you know or love has signs of bulimia suggested ideas include:
Set up a time and talk with them
Tell your friend about your concerns
Ask the individual to talk with a professional
Avoid conflict
Don't place shame, blame, or guilt on the individual
Don't give simple solutions
Let your friend know that you will always be there no matter what