Eating disorders are a major problem within the United States and specifically within Utah. Eating disorders most often fall into three categories: anorexia nervosa (not eating), bulimia nervosa (binging and purging or riding body or food intake), and binge eating (over eating). While generally covering all eating disorders this blog is specifically focused on bulimia nervosa, often referred to as bulimia.
Bulimia can affect and impact people of different ages, races, genders, and socio-economic statuses. The most common victims, however, are women and girls in adolescent and early adult years. It is estimated that Bulimia effects 1-3% of adolescents in the United States. Of these cases anywhere from 85-95% are women.
Although this is a tragic disease treatment efforts have been found to be very effective. Within three months of treatment as many as 60-80% all into remission from bulimia. Although this is the case relapse is common among bulimics. Of those who are in remission within three months 15-25% continue to meet the criteria for bulimia even years later.
Common signs and symptoms of Bulimia include:
Physical
- Abnormal bowel functioning
- Damaged teeth and gums
- Swollen salivary glands in the cheeks
- Sores in the throat and mouth
- Bloating
- Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Irregular heartbeat
- Sores, scars or calluses on the knuckles or hands
- Menstrual irregularities or loss of menstruation (amenorrhea)
- Constant dieting
- Feeling that you can't control your eating behavior
- Eating until the point of discomfort or pain
- Eating much more food in a binge episode than in a normal meal or snack
- Exercising for hours on end
- Misuse of laxatives, diuretics or enemas
- Being preoccupied with your body shape and weight
- Having a distorted, excessively negative body image
- Going to the bathroom after eating or during meals
- Hoarding food
- Depression
- Anxiety
10 comments:
I don't know about you but the physical, emotional and behavioral signs and symptoms alone make me never want to throw up my food.
I'm surprised that bulimia only affects 1 to 3% of adolescents in the US. Do you know if that number is higher in adults?
I am also surprised that it only affects 1-3%, I think i have had at least three roommates with eating disorders. I think it is especially prevalent in the Provo college community
I think there are a lot of women and girls who don't have one of these severe or classified eating disorders, but have unhealthy eating habits that are psychologically involved.
Great information!
Do you know how many men suffer from bulimia? You said that "of these cases anywhere from 85-95% are women". I just wnat to know that because I have a friend and i think he suffers of Bulimia:(
can you add me to your blog list? http://maintainingcognitivehealth.blogspot.com
Wow, what a heart-wrenching photo. Man. I wonder if it's 85-95% women that bulimia affects...what would cause the very few men it does affect to have an eating disorder?
Cecilia, I was also looking for some information about men and body image too. The finding here
http://www.dailyrx.com/news-article/mirror-mirror-wall-12371.html
that points out that though women do have a seemingly higher incidence of Eating Disorders, certain age groups have a strong sense of worth in the mommy rearing age group because they are cognizant of their bodies capacity for good and empowerment via motherhood.
The statistics mentioned is very alarming. But with early detection and spotting early bulimic symptoms deaths regarding bulimia will be lessened.
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