Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by an extreme preoccupation with losing or maintaining a certain weight, and unhappiness with one’s body size or shape. Most (85 to 90% ) people who suffer from Bulimia are women, and all races and socioeconomic groups can be affected. The age of onset was historically 19 years, but younger teens afflicted with bulimia are becoming increasingly common. Bulimics regularly binge eat, or eat unusually large quantities of food in a short period time, and then purge through vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, or over exercise. A feeling of lack of control over one’s eating binges is very common. Anxiety, depression and substance abuse can accompany bulimia. Stress, low self- esteem, genetics, brain chemistry, and personality traits can all be predisposing factors in developing bulimia. People with bulimia tend to be good at hiding their binge and purge behaviors and often feel very shameful about their disease. Tell- tale signs of Bulimia can be broken blood vessels around the eyes (from vomiting), swollen cheeks or jaws, discolored or clear teeth, and extreme fatigue. DietitiansABQ, we want to help you with your fears surrounding food and it’s effect on your body. After a thorough nutrition assessment with special attention paid to any medical complications that may exist, areas of focus may include:
- Macronutrient needs
- Nutrition education
- Development of a meal plan or an eating plan
- Exercise
- Need for supplementation
- Evaluating behaviors surrounding food
- Recognizing and utilizing hunger/fullness cues.
- Assessment of changes in laboratory values
- Planning to reduce and eliminate food-centered reactions to triggers.
- Body image
- Involvement of family when appropriate.
- Referral to counseling services specializing in eating disorders.