Bulimia : An Eating Disorder That Kills

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by repeated eating binges followed by purges of forced vomiting, prolonged fasting, or abuse of laxatve, enemas or diuretics, said Lindsey Hall, author of”Understanding and Overcoming Bulimia.” The late Princess diana had it. Other well-known personalities who are self-confessed former bulimics are Jane Fonda and cheryl Bone, daughter of singer Pat Boone.

Lindsey Hall, a bulimic for nine years, explains, “Eating disorders are not primarily about food, exercise or health – they are about a desperate struggle for perfect looks, a perfect body, a perfect life.” She adds, ” Most bulimics have been preoccupied with eating and diet for years, but the initial binge-purge episodes might be triggered by specific traumatic events like marriage, divorce in the family, death of a loved one or a lover’s rejection.

Hall warns about bulimic’s side effects, “Excessive vomiting can cause death from cardiac arrest, kidney failure, impaired metabolism due to electrolyte imbalance or severe dehdration.” Bulimia’s other side effects are rotten teeth from constant exposure to bile brought up from the stomach during vomiting, digestive disorders, amenorrhea (ceasing of menstruation), malnutrition, anemia, infected glands, bllisters in the throat, internal bleeding, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and a raptured stomach or esophagus.

Like alcoholism, there is no cure for bulimia but it can be controlled. Professional help from a psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders is essential. A nutritionist can also teach the bulimic victim to eat normally.