What is bulimia?
Bulimia is a mental disorder associated with repeated, often secret eating attacks. Those affected usually consume large quantities of food within a short period of time. To prevent weight gain, they then try to get rid of the excess food and calories quickly. Usually vomiting, but fasting or medication are also used. Those affected usually have a normal weight. In many cases, the constant preoccupation with food and the feelings of shame and guilt lead to further consequences, such as depression, anxiety disorder or addiction.
There is no “one” cause for bulimia. There are probably several factors at work that have to interact. These include biological, genetic, familial and social influences. For example, low self-esteem, concerns about one’s figure, conflicts and violence in the family or the current ideal of beauty in society can play a role.
Bulimia is usually treated with the help of psychotherapy and often also nutritional therapy. The physical and psychological consequences of the disease, such as a lack of nutrients or depression, must also be treated. Bulimia can be cured in many cases, but in rare cases the illness can become chronic. The chances of recovery are better if those affected seek treatment at an early stage.
Symptoms: Bulimia manifests itself in binge eating
People with bulimia are constantly preoccupied with their figure and weight. They are very afraid of putting on weight. The typical symptoms of bulimia are secret binge eating and food cravings, which usually occur several times a week and often in the evening or at night. Bulimics can devour enormous amounts of food in a very short time. Most of the foods are very high in fat and sugar: chocolate, cakes, pies, potato chips or hamburgers. The binge eating episodes are almost impossible to control or control at will.
The ravenous appetite is followed by the second important symptom of bulimia: sufferers now try to counteract the threat of weight gain. They usually do this by vomiting, which they induce themselves. This gives them relief, but only temporarily. Due to the loss of control during an eating binge, most people subsequently feel great shame and guilt. And these in turn have a negative impact on self-esteem, mental well-being and quality of life, which are often already low. In addition to vomiting, sufferers sometimes use other measures and strategies to avoid weight gain, such as excessive use of laxatives or excessive exercise.
Progression and prognosis for bulimia
The course and prognosis of bulimia vary from person to person and cannot be generalized. The earlier bulimia is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and the better the chances of recovery. Bulimia can be cured in more than half of all cases. Nevertheless, the course and treatment are often protracted – relapses can occur again and again. Those affected therefore need some patience and perseverance for the therapy.
Possible consequences of bulimia
Bulimia can have serious consequences that affect the body, the psyche and everyday life. For example, it can lead to loss of interests and hobbies, fatigue, concentration problems, dental damage, digestive problems, circulatory problems, etc.
Self-help groups
The exchange with people who are affected by the same disease can be a great support in coping with the disease. Advice on finding a suitable self-help group is available from Selbsthilfe Zürich. Self-Help Zurich and the University Hospital Zurich are cooperation partners in the national project “Health literacy thanks to self-help-friendly hospitals”.
