Bulimia Essay

When defining what it means to be an anorexic or a bulimic, the general population may not know the difference between the two. The concept of eating through bulimia, unlike anorexia, is very different; however the end-results of both are undoubtedly similar. Bulimia nervosa is the compulsive act of binge eating, a spree of over-eating large amounts of foods at one time. The person is able to consume around “3,000 to 5,000 calories in one short hour” (Segal & Smith, 2014). After the binge episode is over, the person immediately resorts to self-induce vomiting, intake of laxatives, or hard-hitting exercise for the fear of gaining weight. Historically, bulimia was not always seen as a disorder that equaled to having an unhealthy habit; it was actually the exact opposite to how society views it today. For ancient Romans, vomiting after a meal was quite normal as it was used to “make room for more feasting” (Williams, 2011). Eating large amounts of food in those times signified one’s wealth; therefore, the act of purging was related to that richness of status. Other cultures would use purgation as a remedy for many diseases as it was natural to assume that human illnesses came from the food that was eaten (Williams, 2011). Thus, the intentionality of these acts was medically-related and would aid in the relief of pain and sickness. However, those motives are non-existent and today’s modern views of bulimia are not seen as beneficial by any means.

The motivation that has the bulimia population striving for is none other than for the reason of staying thin. Since the 1980s, this has been an increasing dilemma for both the U.S and Europe. There is no direct cause for this mental disorder but rather a combination of factors that increase...

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...w long the person has had bulimia without treatment is also a factor in taking action. Comorbid mental and/or health conditions either caused by, or existing before bulimia such as depression, anxiety or substance abuse are aspects as well. Therefore, each case is unique and treatment varies. Initial therapy begins with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT); for bulimia specifically, this most likely includes “nutritional counseling to change certain behavior and thinking patterns” (Segal & Smith, 2014). This targets the root of the problem and helps re-shape the person’s way of thinking into a healthier manner. Medicines to treat for depression also aid in treatment; they help “reduce binge-purge cycles” (Segal & Smith, 2014). Treatment for bulimia can last for more than a year, depending on how the environmental factors and dedication of the client during the course.