Bulimia Nervosa

We at Viam Tuam want to talk to you about something called bulimia. It is a serious eating disorder that can be tough to deal with, but it is important to know that you are not alone and that there is help available.

When someone has bulimia, they might:

• Eat a lot of food really quickly, sometimes in secret
• Feel like they can’t control how much they’re eating
• Do things to try to “make up for” eating a lot, like:
• Making themselves throw up
• Taking a bunch of laxatives or water pills
• Skipping meals or not eating at all
• Exercising a ton, even when they’re tired or not feeling well

Bulimia can affect anyone, no matter their age, gender, or background. It usually starts during the teenage years or in young adulthood. We do not know exactly what causes bulimia, but it is probably a mix of a lot of things, like:

• Genes (the traits you get from your family)
• How your body works
• Your thoughts and feelings
• What’s going on around you, like at home or school

Bulimia can cause some serious health problems, like:

• Damage to your throat and teeth from throwing up a lot
• Dehydration (when your body doesn’t have enough water)
• Imbalances in your body’s salts and minerals
• Heart problems
• Trouble with digestion

It can also make you feel really low emotionally, like you are ashamed, guilty, or alone.
If you think you might have bulimia, the most important thing is to tell someone you trust and get help. There are doctors and therapists who specialize in helping people with eating disorders. They can work with you to:

•  Understand why bulimia is happening
• Find healthy ways to cope with tough emotions
• Learn to have a better relationship with food and your body
• Deal with any other stress or problems that might be making bulimia worse