Bulimia- Am I Fat ???

Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychologicaleating disorderwhere a person typically feel a lack of control during eating binges. The food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia nervosa feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories.Excessive shape and weight concerns are characteristics of bulimia nervosa.

People with bulimia nervosa can look perfectly normal but many bulimic patients appear thin and emaciated, but some may even be overweight. It is often difficult to determine whether a person is suffering from bulimia nervosa. This occurs because bingeing and purging is often done in secret and because individuals suffering from bulimia nervosa often deny their condition. Sufferers consume huge quantities of food. Sometimes up to 20,000 calories at a time. The preferred foods are typically sweet, soft, and high in calories and carbohydrates.

The frequency of bulimic cycles will vary from person to person. Some will suffer from an episode every few months while others who are more severely ill may binge and purge several times a day. Some people may vomit automatically after they have eaten any food. Others will eat socially but may be bulimic in private. Some people do not regard their illness as a problem, while others despise and fear the vicious and uncontrollable cycle they are in.

Causes of Bulimia

Females involved in activities that put an extreme emphasis on thinness and body type (such as gymnastics, dance and cheerleading) are at the greatest risk for the development of eating disorders. Bulimia nervosa usually begins in adolescence or early adulthood and can occur simultaneously with anorexia nervosa. Studies indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa later become bulimic.

Bulimia nervosa is usually less about food and more to do with psychological issues and feelings of lack of control. Causes of bulimia nervosa include the following:

Psychological factors:
While there is currently no definite known cause of bulimia nervosa, psychosocial factors may include family disturbance or conflict, sexual abuse, maladaptive learned behavior, struggle for control or self-identity, cultural overemphasis on physical appearance, and parental obesity. Bulimia nervosa is commonly associated with depression. anxiety,phobias, andobsessive-compulsive disorder. Depression in a person with bulimia nervosa may lead to suicide attempts or a completed suicide.

Cultural factors:
Anorexia has historically been a problem found in girls and young women. Seeing images of flawless, thin females everywhere makes it hard for women to feel good about their bodies but easy to thinks that "thin" is good.

Family factors:.
If you have a mother or sister with bulimia nervosa, you are more likely to also have bulimia nervosa. Parents who think looks are important, diet themselves, or criticize their children's bodies are more likely to have a child with bulimia nervosa.

Life changes or stressful events:
Traumatic events like rape and sexual molestation, as well as stressful things like starting a new job, can lead to bulimia nervosa.

Biological factors:
Genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain may be factors in developing bulimia nervosa.