Bulimia Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa is one of many eating disorders. Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by methods of weight control (purging). Other methods include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives, compulsive exercising, and diuretics. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) states nearly twenty million women will suffer from an eating disorder at some point in their life. There are severe risks associated with bulimia, this illness has serious sometimes life-threatening complications. Women with bulimia between the ages of 15-24 are twelve times more likely to die from the illness than other causes of death. There is no single known cause of bulimia, but there are some factors that may play a part. In Western culture women in the United States are under constant pressure to fit a certain ideal of beauty. Images and social media everywhere shows flawless, thin females make it hard for women to feel good about their bodies. According to NEDA 40-60% of
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Purging by vomiting or laxatives depletes your body of important chemicals called electrolytes. The electrolyte potassium plays an important role in helping the heart beat and muscles contract, but is often depleted by purging. Consuming fewer calories than you need means that the body breaks down its own tissue to use for fuel. Muscles are some of the first organs broken down, and the most important muscle in the body is the heart. Pulse and blood pressure begin to drop as the heart has less fuel to pump blood and fewer cells to pump with. The risk for heart failure rises as the heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower. Low calorie and fat consumption can cause dry skin, and hair to become brittle and fall out. To conserve warmth during periods of starvation, the body will grow fine, downy hair called
Purging by vomiting or laxatives depletes your body of important chemicals called electrolytes. The electrolyte potassium plays an important role in helping the heart beat and muscles contract, but is often depleted by purging. Consuming fewer calories than you need means that the body breaks down its own tissue to use for fuel. Muscles are some of the first organs broken down, and the most important muscle in the body is the heart. Pulse and blood pressure begin to drop as the heart has less fuel to pump blood and fewer cells to pump with. The risk for heart failure rises as the heart rate and blood pressure levels sink lower and lower. Low calorie and fat consumption can cause dry skin, and hair to become brittle and fall out. To conserve warmth during periods of starvation, the body will grow fine, downy hair called