Bulimia nervosa, or ‘bulimia’, is characterised by secretive cycles of binge eating followed by behaviour that compensates for the over-eating. In other words, someone with bulimia nervosa will eat large amounts of food in a short period of time and then attempt to get rid of the food or calories through vomiting, using enemas or laxatives or through excessive exercise. Like anorexia, bulimia nervosa is a serious illness and can be life-threatening.

Binge Eating Disorder, sometimes called Compulsive Eating, is characterised by periods of uncontrolled, impulsive or continuous eating to the point of being full. While there is no purging (getting the food out of the body, as in bulimia) there may be sporadic fasts and diets as an attempt to compensate for over eating.

In all three types of eating disorders, the cycle of behaviour can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, regret, depression and secrecy. And eating disorders often lead to secondary health problems caused by the behaviour like dental problems, reproductive system problems and digestive system damage.

If you are seeking information on eating disorders, you may be concerned about your own health or the health of someone you know. The first step towards understanding the issues surrounding eating disorders is acknowledging that a problem exists. A person suffering from an eating disorder, or someone who feels they may be in danger of developing an eating disorder, should speak to their GP or to a qualified counsellor or psychotherapist about options for treatment. In some cases, people with eating disorders may be referred for specialist care. With the right help and support treatment of eating disorders is possible. Speaking to someone about this problem can be the beginning of recovery.

For help with an eating disorder, please get in touch for an initial consultation.

For more information about our approach to counselling and psychotherapy, please click here.

sources

Eating Disorders Association, www.b-eat.co.uk/home (March 2010)
National Eating Disorders Association (of America)
Cambridge University, www.counselling.cam.ac.uk/eating
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eating_disorders

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