Learn about the causes of Bulimia & find a practitioner in Auckland, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin to help you overcome Bulimia within New Zealand.
Bulimia is an eating disorder, characterised by excessive binge eating followed by intentional vomiting or laxative use to prevent weight gain. It is a psychological condition based on a fear of becoming fat
Causes of bulimia
Bulimia has no single cause but can be triggered by a number of social, environmental and genetic factors.
It
is psychological and emotional factors which commonly cause bulimia.
Low self-esteem can change the way someone perceives themselves and
losing weight is typically seen as way to increase or gain self-worth.
Binge eating is often a way to cope with depression with bulimia
sufferers often feeling depressed - this causes a negative cycle. Other
mental health conditions such as anxiety, OCD or post-traumatic stress
can also be associated with bulimia.
Social factors such as
friends, media and the fashion industry create a pressure to aspire for
low body weight which may then lead to bulimia. Emotional problems and
stress from traumatic experiences such as bereavement, divorce or abuse
can trigger bulimia as a coping mechanism.
Physical problems
such as illness or injury are factors that can cause bulimia as can
going through puberty. Puberty is a time when teenagers feel out of
control of their lives and bulimia is a way of regaining that control.
Genetic factors have a related risk to developing bulimia particularly if a close relative has suffered with the condition.
Symptoms of bulimia
Bulimia sufferers will experience symptoms of binge eating and purging of food.
Binge
eating involves frequently eating large quantities of food that is high
in calorie content even when the individual isn't necessarily hungry.
The rapid consumption of food often leads to physical discomfort.
Binges may be spontaneous while other episodes of bingeing may be
pre-planned with a trip to the supermarket to buy foods in which to
binge on.
Purging is the response to binge eating whereby the
individual feels physically uncomfortable, guilty, full of
self-loathing and regretful of their actions. However, the over-riding
fear is of weight gain and so purging the food is the quickest way to
remove it from the system. Purging may involve forced vomiting or
laxatives. Bulimia sufferers may also over-exercise, take diet pills or
illegal drugs or go through periods of starvation as a means to prevent
weight gain.
Other signs and symptoms of bulimia include:
Diagnosis of bulimia
If you, or someone you know, suspect bulimia then a visit to the GP is
essential. This isn't always easy as recognising there is a problem is
often the most difficult step toward recovery. Bulimia sufferers may
have had the condition for many months or even years.
Once a GP
has made their initial assessment they will refer you to a mental
health specialist such as a counsellor or psychologist who will help in
your treatment and recovery.
*Source: GoToSee.co.uk
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