Eating Disorder Research

It is important to prevent developing a bulimia eating disorder. A sufferer of this disorder often experiences poor self-image, lack self esteem, and depression. He or she over -indulges in meals and with sweets but then would feel extremely guilty over it. Compensatory behavior like induced vomiting or taking laxatives would then follow. If you want to prevent yourself from developing a bulimia eating disorder, it is important to know your risks and to find ways to mitigate them. One of the first things that you should look at when you are trying to prevent eating disorders is what your age is. If you are an adolescent, between the age of 10 and 25, then studies have shown that you are at higher risk of developing bulimia. This may be due to peer pressure. Of course, the media presents unachievable images, which does not help any as it only places more pressure on you. Something else that you need to consider when you are trying to prevent eating disorders is whether or not you are involved in an activity that relies heavily upon appearance. These activities include gymnastics, dancing and modeling. The added pressures of these activities make it even more likely for you to develop bulimia. If you are under a lot of stress this is when you need to pay special attention to prevent eating disorders because at this time you may also develop bulimia. This is because stress can cause you to lose sight of yourself. Stress can come from traumatic childhood experiences that leave you feeling unworthy of the world. This may lead you to resort to bulimia so that you feel accepted. Also, if you are an overachiever or perfectionist you may resort to bulimia because you are always seeking perfection. You should know that bulimia is a problem that can result in death if you do not work to prevent eating disorders within yourself. This is a very serious eating disorder. In fact, you may actually be shocked to learn that one in seven college-aged females struggle with bulimia. Knowing what the risk factors for bulimia are can help you to know if you have a problem. It can also help you to work toward a plan to prevent eating disorders. Find ways to boost your self esteem. For instance, you can engage yourself in sports or hobbies that you are interested and become good at. Or surround yourself with friends your age who eat healthily and are positive. Reduce stress through relaxation techniques or simply giving yourself a break. Seek support and communicate openly to your family and friends.

There are two classifications of bulimia.  They are distinguished by the way the bulimic relieves herself or himself of the binge: 1) Purging Symptom The bulimic purges through self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics and enemas. These methods serve as a means of rapidly eliminating the food from their body. 2) Non-Purging Type This type of bulimia is more rare.  In fact, only about 6%-8% of cases fall under here.  This may be because non-purging is viewed as less effective in ridding the body of large amount of calories. This type of bulimia involves engaging in excessive exercise or fasting following a binge.  Doing so would counteract the large amount of calories previously ingested. Excessive exercising and fasting is also frequently observed in the purgers.  But the distinguishing thing is that the purgers do not use these methods as their primary way to lose calories.