Bulimia Nervosa
Nicole Erlandson
Broward College
July 21, 2013
Bulimia Nervosa 2
Eating disorders are much more common then people think. Bulimia Nervosa,
more commonly known as bulimia or binge and purge disorder, is one of the many.
Although people assume it is simply a physical or mental disorder, it most defiantly is
not. It’s a very serious and dangerous disorder that causes people to perform
inappropriate behavior to loose or control weight. Bulimia is a disease that affects both
the mind and the body and even a person’s soul. In its course it leaves an emotionally
toll not only on it’s victims but also his or her family and friends. This essay will focus
on the physical and psychological effects of someone who is an victim of Bulimia
Nervosa.
Eating disorders, such as Bulimia, doesn’t select who it will affect but it’s not
uncommon for victims to fall under certain categories. The most vulnerable are young
females between the ages of 12 to 21. The disease can affect those at a later age or as
early as elementary schoolers and may have ties with those who have clinical or manic
depression. Others such as athletes or those raised in an environment where appearance
is important may be pressured into bulimic habits. Those who have experienced verbal,
emotional, physical and/or sexual abuse are often linked as victims of Bulimia. Victims
may start off anorexia before turning into an bulimic or vise versa.
Bulimia Nervosa 3
Bulimic’s emerge themselves into obsessive cycles of which they starve
themselves for extended periods of time prior to massive binging. These binges are
followed by purging which can be achieved by vomiting, laxatives, diuretics and
excessive exercising. Bulimics are normally within their expected weight range but they
see themselves as being overweight or are terrified of gaining weight. It’s not uncommon
for an bulimic to weight itself several times a day. They also experience an emotional
cycle of guilt, pain and depression. The cycle becomes an outlet for them and often set
high severe standards to live to. Bulimics often refuse to eat in front of people or will
avoid meals and take frequent trips to the bathroom to vomit.
Bulimia is a disease that affects the whole body. Excessive vomiting can lead
to stomach ulcers that are trigger from the stomach acid. Female bulimics can
experience the loss of their menstrual cycle. After several months of the cycle it’s not
uncommon for victims to experience dry skin and hair and even notice their hair falling
out. Because of lack of nutrients bones begin to weaken and other organs begin to not
function properly. The stressfulness of forcing food out of the stomach can put a lot of
strain of an individual’s heart which can lead to heart palpitations. Over an extensive
continuously time of abuse as other organs begin to work improperly other organs begin
to shut down. But the aids to bulimia have very hazardous side effects on the body too.
Diuretic pills can lead to dehydration and to heart irregularities, and