Bulimia and anorexia are serious eating disorders that affect both physical and mental health. While they may seem similar, each has unique patterns, causes, and impacts. This article breaks down how to recognize these disorders, clears up common misconceptions, and outlines steps toward recovery.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
Lucy looked in the mirror one day and concluded she was too fat. In an effort to diet, she avoided meat pies, her favorite treat But one day, the smell of pies across the street was irresistible; she ate 10 in one sitting. She felt guilty and ran a few laps. That wasn't enough, so she did some jumping jacks and didn't stop till she was certain she'd burned it all off.
Poor Lucy. She'd just begun a binge-purging cycle.
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that follows a cycle of eating a large amount of food in one sitting (binging) and then engaging in compensatory behaviours such as purging, vomiting, fasting, and rigorous exercise.
What is Anorexia Nervosa?
Sophie examined herself in the mirror and a wave of disappointment washed over her. James was right: she wasn't pretty enough. She had to get thinner and have a slimmer waist. She began starving herself, sometimes drinking only a little oatmeal each day.
The voice in her head kept screaming, "Food is poison!" So she did everything to avoid eating, and every time she checked the scale, she reiterated, "I need to get thinner". Even at 30kg, with bones so conspicuous, she was never thin enough.
Anorexia nervosa is also an eating disorder and people with this disorder are obsessed with weight loss and getting thinner, so they avoid eating. Sadly, they are never satisfied and continue starving themselves.
Bulimia and anorexia may seem alike but they have differences that can help distinguish them.
Bulimia Nervosa vs. Anorexia Nervosa
Although bulimia and anorexia are similar, as both are eating disorders and patients are often plagued with negative body image, they have distinctive features and should not be confused for each other. There are two major distinctions:
- Body Weight: People with bulimia usually have a normal body weight, as they are able to retain some nutrients despite the purging measures. With anorexia, patients are typically underweight, but this isn't always the case, as those with atypical anorexia can have a normal body weight.
- Eating Habits: Bulimia is a binge-purging cycle while anorexia is characterised by self-starvation.
It is noteworthy that bulimia and anorexia don't occur without a trigger.
Common Myths and Misconceptions
Certain misconceptions are common among non-patients as well as patients:
- Many people think purging keeps you thin, but the truth is the body still retains some nutrients, which can even lead to weight gain.
- You might assume body weight reveals bulimia or anorexia, yet it can be misleading, as individuals with atypical forms may appear to have a normal weight.
- Some believe strict dieting helps with weight loss, but in reality it often triggers extreme hunger that leads to binge-eating episodes in bulimia.
- Some think willpower alone is enough for recovery, but lasting improvement requires proper treatment and support.
- Others assume treatment won’t work, yet following professional guidance has been proven to help patients recover.
Causes of Bulimia and Anorexia
There are various factors that can contribute to the development of these disorders. They include:
- Mental Health: Psychological disorders like anxiety and depression can cause the development of bulimia and anorexia. Traumatic experiences (such as mistreatment or bullying) also necessitate the need for control and patients try to control their eating habits. For people with bulimia, purging provides a sense of control while self-starvation assures anorexia patients of control.
- Genetics: Those with a family history of eating disorders are most likely to develop eating disorders, including bulimia and anorexia.
- Social Pressure: There is an increase in diet culture and an intense obsession with thinness. This can create a fear of missing out or gaining weight and eventually lead to eating disorders.
- Brain Differences: Scientists have discovered that people with eating disorders have different brain structures and functions, affecting dopamine and serotonin levels. This influences mood, appetite, and impulse control.
If left untreated, bulimia and anorexia can have a serious impact on patients' physical and mental health.
Symptoms and Signs to Watch For
Symptoms and signs may vary in patients. Some signs and symptoms that may indicate bulimia or anorexia are:
- Purging right after meal
- Refusal to eat
- An irrational fear of gaining weight
- Excessive exercise
- Grouping food into "bad" and "good"
- Fatigue, dizziness, or fainting
- Distorted/Negative body image
- Irregular periods or no periods at all
- Constipation
- Shame or guilt after eating
These signs and symptoms are not restricted to bulimia and anorexia alone and may result in certain misconceptions. Many harmful myths surround these eating disorders.
Physical and Mental Effects of Bulimia and Anorexia
Bulimia and anorexia can affect one's psychology and result in serious health complications:
- Low self-esteem
- Withdrawal from social life
- Depression, anxiety and extreme mood swings
- Substance abuse
- Hypotension
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
How to Treat Bulimia and Anorexia
The journey to recovery starts with honest self-reflection, and if your relationship with food causes stress or interferes with daily life, it’s important to talk to someone you trust. Don’t jump to conclusions and instead seek help from health professionals who can provide a proper diagnosis to determine whether you have bulimia or anorexia.
Treatment may include therapy, medication, or structured programs such as outpatient or partial hospitalization, and because these conditions affect both mental and physical health, a combined approach is often necessary. Recovery is possible, but it takes time, and relapses may occur; these are not a reflection of your worth but a normal part of the healing process.
Conclusion
The mirror can be deceiving, and you don’t have to believe every reflection it shows you. If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of bulimia or anorexia, it’s important to seek help without delay. Recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone, and your mental wellbeing is just as important as your physical health. Professional guidance can make all the difference, and starting with a consultation or booking your first session is a crucial step toward healing.
RELATED ARTICLE: For more insights into eating disorders, explore our article on How to Recognize and Manage Binge Eating Disorder