Bulimia Nervosa Research Paper

In this world today, there are many disorders that Americans face, including eating disorders. After an individual hears the word eating disorder, they automatically think of bulimia and anorexia nervosa. People that suffer from bulimia are usually dissatisfied with their body. So unlike people who suffer with anorexia, they eat a lot of food. After binge eating, they will feel culpable and purge to escape from gaining weight. On the other hand, people with the anorexia disorder starve themselves to gain luxury with their appearance. They are not only disgruntled with their bodies, but may also be dealing with emotional pain. Starving themselves makes them feel in control. Bulimia and anorexia nervosa destroy the sufferer’s body, mental health,
and surrounding family.
Usually, no one is born with an eating disorder, but many things lead up to it. There are many leading causes that promote these disorders. Most people today like to look after their figures and keep fit. When someone is battling with bulimia, they push it to the extreme. They want to be thin but also love overeating. Many who struggle with bulimia are “people with tremendous image pressure . . . [some of whom are] ballet dancers, models, gymnasts, wrestlers, runners, and actors” (Smith and Segal “Bulimia” 4). Similarly, people with anorexia also want to be thin, so they like to gain control and overcome food (Smith and Segal “Anorexia” 8). Unlike bulimia, anorexia may also be “genetic” (9). Viewing bulimia psychologically, the “history of trauma” may cause the disease (Smith and Segal “Bulimia” 4). Anorexic people may also have a low self-esteem or are dealing with mighty emotions. Anorexia also may be caused by previous “traumatic experiences” and emotions, so eating is an emotional relaxation (Smith and Segal “Anorexia” 9). Bulimia is having lack of control; therefore, they trash their bodies by bingeing and purging. However, people suffering with anorexia gain their control by not giving into food and feeling dominant. These causes draw a gigantic influence in the sufferer’s life.
Eating disorders are serious issues in today’s world, and many female teenagers agonize from it. As bulimics, they deal with their emotions by consuming food. Eating their dilemma away is easy, but purging is what they turn to make it all better. However, victims of anorexia nervosa remove any kind of food in their daily lives. Like bulimia, they want to stay thin, and some will also “purge” (Smith and Segal “Anorexia” 7). Renunciation is a big part of being bulimic, and the bulimic usually tries to hide his or her traces. Many will hide their food so that their family would not notice it, and then they binge eat in privacy (Smith and Segal “Bulimia” 2). After meals, they often disappear to the bathroom to purge (2). Anorexia also involves in hiding their actions, and by doing so they will hide or pretend to eat their food (Smith and Segal “Anorexia” 8). There is always hope to a cure, and it is not unmanageable to get treatment. With bulimia, confessing that they have a problem and talking to someone about it is effectual (Smith and Segal “Bulimia” 4). Also avoiding “places and activities that trigger the temptation to binge or purge” helps them not to give in to the temptation (4). Likewise, overcoming anorexia also requires admitting that they have a problem, talking to someone, and avoiding places that trigger their obsession with being thin (Smith and Segal “Anorexia” 10). However, “hospitalization may be necessary” for them (11). Bulimia and anorexia nervosa disorders are not a joke and should be treated as soon as possible.
Eating disorders may seem not as injurious as other disorders, but they include deadly side effects.
Some serious effects with bulimia nervosa include “dehydration- due to purging, . . . electrolyte imbalances in the body, . . . [and a] ruptured stomach” (Smith and Segal “Bulimia” 3). There are many not so unknown effects to bulimia nervosa as well, such as, bloating, dizziness, and swollen cheeks (3). In contrast, anorexia makes the anorexic’s body to “slow down, . . . [think slow, and] . . . [have] headaches (Smith and Segal “Anorexia” 10). It also has many more physical effects like dry nails, bloating, and severe growth of the hair (10). Not only are there physical penalties to their actions, but also mental and emotional matters. Bulimia causes depression, mood swings, and stress. It is an element that binge eating and purging do not help dealing with mental issues. Similarly, anorexia also causes mental and emotional distress. Bulimia nervosa not only affects the victim, but also their family. It causes unnecessary stress for them because they will worry about their loved one. The sufferer’s family may also want to help them, but don’t know how to. Likewise, anorexia also affects surrounding individuals because of all of the emotional stress. The illness will have a devastating affect on the family because of the major emotional atmosphere. Bulimia and anorexia nervosa affect many things in the surfer’s life including “both [the] mind and body”
(11).
Anorexia and bulimia nervosa are self-destructive eating disorders that affect not only themselves, but everyone around them too. There is hope for every disorder, including anorexia and bulimia nervosa.

Works Cited
Smith, Melinda and Jeanne Segal. “Anorexia.” Helpguide. 2012:1-6. Web.
24 September 2012.
Smith, Melinda and Jeanne Segal. “Bulimia.” Helpguide. 2012:1-6. Web.
24 September 2012.