Bulimia Nervosa is an acute eating disorder that is best described as bouts of uncontrolled urges of eating. This condition is so intense that a person with this condition has no control over the food amounts being consumed. It is a constant battle within the affected person to strike a balance between attempts at weight loss and controlling the frequent episodes of binging. The most common symptoms of bulimia nervosa are frequent changes in bodyweight, chronic gastric reflux, peptic ulcer, dehydration, malfunctioning of various organs such as kidney, liver, etc. Consequently, these people resort to various forms of drugs in order to control the eating pattern and to help in the promotion of weight loss due to which various health risks can precipitate.
1. Weight watch
It is estimated from various studies that in one hour of binging, a person can consume up to 2000-3000Kcal. The foods that are consumed are mostly dense calories in nature and are directly related to a proportional weight gain. Due to these facts, it becomes difficult keeping a check on the weight, leading to further depression and worthlessness.
2. Dehydration
Because of frequent vomiting, there are increased chances of dehydration. If there is acute dehydration, it will call for loss of appetite, constipation, loss of skin luster and paleness, and general weakness. Along with dehydration, there are signs of a significant drop in potassium levels in the body, a condition called Hypokalemia, which causes hypertension and other problems. To combat this, body fluids must be replenished at frequent intervals with the consumption of water and other fluids like juices, soups, etc.
3. Stomach tales
Abdominal cramps and muscular pains are other health risks that affect in this condition. Due to excessive vomiting, the stomach muscles get cramped due to acidic refluxes and rupture of stomach esophageal wall lining. At times even the stomach acids are coughed up with excessive frequency of vomiting due to which the mouth lining also gets corroded.
4. Electrolytic effect
Since there are huge losses of body fluids, there are huge losses of electrolytes also from the body. Consequently, weakness, dizziness, delusions, constipation, muscular weakness, and loss of rigor are specifically noted. The excessive use of laxative drugs to ease the constipation further aggravates the condition, leading to abdominal pain and discomfort. If the low levels of electrolytes are not rectified, then it is difficult to cope with the various effects that are allied with it.
5. Candy effect
As many calorie dense foods are consumed, the direct effect is seen in the form of dental caries, tooth decay, and dental corrosion. Usually chips, candies, chocolates and greasy foods are consumed which cause such effects to precipitate. Many a times it is seen that the consumption of hard candies on an impulsive nature cause a lot of dental corrosion as the foods are not chewed properly, but are rather bitten with full force. The consumption of excessive sweets and candy bars, as is common in bulimic patients, leads to accumulation of sugar particles in the teeth and hence the complexities are so pronounced. Typically, those with a dejected mental state, the bulimic people are also lethargic to clean off the residues from the teeth, which add on to the distress. This condition is not a good marker for the health also as it causes excessive calorie consumption and weight gain; obesity may be observed in even the previously lean people.
6. Mental garb
The most common effect of bulimia nervosa is the mental regression that is experienced heavily by those who suffer from it. There is mental depression, low self-esteem, decreased confidence, and an overall unsocial approach to life. Due to this state of mind, the person is more susceptible to binging or purging (forceful vomiting) in order to reduce the body weight. The low self-esteem prevents the person from interacting normally with others and prevents them from maintaining a stable and clear thought process. Few people are afraid to admit that they have a problem and turn into bulimics. It is always good to discuss the all problems so that they can be averted right from the beginning.
