Bulimia Nervosa In Adolescence/Young Adulthood

Bulimia Nervosa in Adolescence/Young Adulthood
Description:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which an individual follows a binge-and-purge eating pattern. Some individuals binge-and-purge occasionally, others more consistently. A bulimic person will “binge” by excessive eating and then will either self-induce vomit or use laxatives to prevent the body from absorbing the calories, hence “purge.” According to the Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt, someone is diagnosed with bulimia nervosa if there are: 1. Binge eating takes place in recurrent episodes. 2. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, misuse of laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise, in order to prevent weight gain. 3. The binge eating and
Bulimia nervosa commonly begins in late adolescence or early adulthood and these people may have been somewhat overweight before the onset of their bulimic activities. The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt also states that the binge/purge cycle can significantly impact an individual’s daily life as their focus becomes their body image and inconsistent meals, drastic fluctuations in eating, and nutritional deficiencies can drastically impact one’s mood and behaviors (Eating Disorder). The Center for Eating Disorders at Sheppard Pratt lists warning signs that someone may show due to bulimia nervosa including withdrawal from usual friends and activities, behaviors and attitudes indicating that dieting, weight loss, and the control of food is a primary concern, lying about food or making up excuses to try to hide behaviors, and taking a defensive stance when confronted about weight or eating behaviors (Eating Disorder). These signs may indicate that someone is engaging in bulimic