Pro-Ana Acronyms, ect.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Pro-Ana Acronyms, ect.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Pro-Ana Acronyms, ect.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
Ana: Anorexia Nervosa
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
MiAna: Having both anorexia and bulimia (this term is what I came up with for my
first website, and since has been used on the net a lot ... I have never seen the term
used before until my first site went on the net.)
Pro-ana: This term infers being pro-active in the ED community, usually online. It
does not mean promote ED's in any way, shape or form.
Thinspiration: Collection of thin looking peoples pictures, used to inspire those with
ana/mia.
Anorectic: One who has anorexia.
Ana Buddy: An online friendship between pro-ana individuals. Ana buddies guide
one another toward recovery or are penpals, sometimes becoming real life friends.
Fasting Buddy: An online friend (or friends) who compete in weight loss
competitions and attempt to keep one another motivated to lose more weight.
Wannarexic: Someone who wants to develop an eating disorder, usually under
some confusion about the consequences. Wannarexics are USUALLY unwanted at
most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana websites.
Wannarexia: The act of wanting to develop an eating disorder. Wannarexia is
USUALLY discouraged at most websites aimed at sufferers, including pro-ana
websites.
CW: Current weight.
HW: Highest weight.
LW: Lowest weight.
GW: Goal Weight.
STGW: Short term goal weight.
LTGW: Long term goal weight.
FGW: Final goal weight.
IP: In patient.
BMI: Body Mass Index.
What is anorexia nervosa?
Anorexia nervosa is a serious, often chronic, and life-threatening eating disorder
defined by a refusal to maintain minimal body weight within 15 percent of an
individual's normal weight. Other essential features of this disorder include an
intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and amenorrhea (absence of
at least three consecutive menstrual cycles when they are otherwise expected to
occur). In addition to the classic pattern of restrictive eating, some people will also
engage in recurrent binge eating and purging episodes. Starvation, weight loss, and
related medical complications are quite serious and can result in death. People who
have an ongoing preoccupation with food and weight even when they are thin would
benefit from exploring their thoughts and relationships with a therapist. The term
anorexia literally means loss of appetite, but this is a misnomer. In fact, people with
anorexia nervosa ignore hunger and thus control their desire to eat. This desire is
frequently sublimated through cooking for others or hiding food that they will not eat
in their personal space. Obsessive exercise may accompany the starving behavior
and cause others to assume the person must be healthy.
Who develops anorexia nervosa?
Like all eating disorders, anorexia nervosa tends to occur in pre- or post-puberty, but
can develop at any major life change. Anorexia nervosa predominately affects
adolescent girls and young adult women, although it also occurs in men and older
women. One reason younger women are particularly vulnerable to eating disorders is
their tendency to go on strict diets to achieve an "ideal" figure. This obsessive dieting
behavior reflects today's societal pressure to be thin, which is seen in advertising
and the media. Others especially at risk for eating disorders include athletes, actors,
dancers, models, and TV personalities for whom thinness has become a professional
requirement. For the person with anorexia nervosa, the satisfaction of control
achieved over weight and food becomes very important if the rest of their life is
chaotic and emotionally painful.
How many people suffer from anorexia nervosa?
Conservative estimates suggest that one-half to one percent of females in the U.S.
develop anorexia nervosa. Because more than 90 percent of all those who are
affected are adolescent and young women, the disorder has been been
characterized as primarily a woman's illness. It should be noted, however, that males
and children as young as seven years old have been diagnosed; and women 50, 60,
70, and even 80 years of age have fit the diagnosis.
How is the weight lost?
People with anorexia nervosa usually lose weight by reducing their total food intake
and exercising excessively. Many persons with this disorder restrict their intake to
fewer than 1,000 calories per day. Most avoid fattening, high-calorie foods and
eliminate meats. The diet of persons with anorexia nervosa may consist almost
completely of low-calorie vegetables like lettuce and carrots, or popcorn.
What are the common signs of anorexia nervosa?
The hallmark of anorexia nervosa is a preoccupation with food and a refusal to
maintain minimally normal body weight. One of the most frightening aspects of the
disorder is that people with anorexia nervosa continue to think they look fat even
when they are bone-thin. Their nails and hair become brittle, and their skin may
become dry and yellow. Depression is common in patients suffering from this
disorder. People with anorexia nervosa often complain of feeling cold (hypothermia)
because their body temperature drops. They may develop lanugo (a term used to
describe the fine hair on a new born) on their body.
Persons with anorexia nervosa develop strange eating habits such as cutting their
food into tiny pieces, refusing to eat in front of others, or fixing elaborate meals for
others that they themselves don't eat. Food and weight become obsessions as
people with this disorder constantly think about their next encounter with food.
Generally, if a person fears he or she has anorexia nervosa, a doctor knowledgeable
about eating disorders should make a diagnosis and rule out other physical
disorders. Other psychiatric disorders can occur together with anorexia nervosa,
such as depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What are the causes of anorexia nervosa?
Knowledge about the causes of anorexia nervosa is inconclusive, and the causes
may be varied. In an attempt to understand and uncover the origins of eating
disorders, scientists have studied the personalities, genetics, environments, and
biochemistry of people with these illnesses. Certain personality traits common in
persons with anorexia nervosa are low self-esteem, social isolation (which usually
occurs after the behavior associated with anorexia nervosa begins), and
perfectionism. These people tend to be good students and excellent athletes. It does
seem clear (although this may not be recognized by the patient), that focusing on
weight loss and food allows the person to ignore problems that are too painful or
seem irresolvable.
Eating disorders also tend to run in families, with female relatives most often
affected. A girl has a 10 to 20 times higher risk of developing anorexia nervosa, for
instance, if she has a sibling with the disease. This finding suggests that genetic
factors may predispose some people to eating disorders. Behavioral and
environmental influences may also play a role. Stressful events are likely to increase
the risk of eating disorders as well. In studies of the biochemical functions of people
with eating disorders, scientists have found that the neurotransmitters serotonin and
nor epinephrine are decreased in those with anorexia, which links them with patients
suffering from depression. People with anorexia nervosa also tend to have higher
than normal levels of cortisol (a brain hormone released in response to stress) and
vasopressin (a brain chemical found to be abnormal in patients with
obsessive-compulsive disorder).
Are there medical complications?
The starvation experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa can cause damage to
vital organs such as the heart and brain. Pulse rate and blood pressure drop, and
people suffering from this illness may experience irregular heart rhythms or heart
failure. Nutritional deprivation causes calcium loss from bones, which can become
brittle and prone to breakage. In the worst-case scenario, people with anorexia can
starve themselves to death. Anorexia nervosa is among the psychiatric conditions
having the highest mortality rates, killing up to six percent of its victims.
Is treatment available?
Luckily, most of the complications experienced by persons with anorexia nervosa are
reversible when they restore weight. People with this disorder should be diagnosed
and treated as soon as possible because eating disorders are most successfully
treated when diagnosed early. Some patients can be treated as outpatients, but
some may need hospitalization to stabilize their dangerously low weight. Weight gain
of one to three pounds per week is considered safe and desirable. The most
effective strategies for treating a patient have been weight restoration within ten
percent of normal, and individual, family, and group therapies.
To help people with anorexia nervosa overcome their disorder, a variety of
approaches are used. Some form of psychotherapy is needed to deal with underlying
emotional issues. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is sometimes used to change
abnormal thoughts and behaviors. Group therapy is often advised so people can
share their experiences with others. Family therapy is important particularly if the
individual is living at home and is a young adolescent. A physician or
advanced-practice nurse is needed to prescribe medications that may be useful in
treating the disorder. Finally, a nutritionist may be necessary to advise the patient
about proper diet and eating regimens. Where support groups are available, they
can be beneficial to both patients and families.
What about prevention?
New research findings are showing that some of the "traits" in individuals who
develop anorexia nervosa are actual "risk factors" that might be treated early on. For
example, low self esteem, body dissatisfaction, and dieting may be identified and
interventions instituted before an eating disorder develops. Advocacy groups have
also been effective in reducing dangerous media stories, such as teen magazine
articles on "being thin" that may glamorize such risk factors as dieting.
What is bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Ana: Anorexia NervosaBulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder marked by a destructive pattern of binge-
eating and recurrent inappropriate behavior to control one's weight. It can occur together
with other psychiatric disorders such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder,
substance dependence, or self-injurious behavior. Binge eating is defined as the
consumption of excessively large amounts of food within a short period of time. The food is
often sweet, high in calories, and has a texture that makes it easy to eat fast. "Inappropriate
compensatory behavior" to control one's weight may include purging behaviors (such as
self-induced vomiting, abuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas) or non-purging behaviors
(such as fasting or excessive exercise). For those who binge eat, sometimes any amount of
food, even a salad or half an apple, is perceived as a binge and is vomited.
People with bulimia nervosa often feel a lack of control during their eating binges. Their
food is usually eaten secretly and gobbled down rapidly with little chewing. A binge is
usually ended by abdominal discomfort. When the binge is over, the person with bulimia
feels guilty and purges to rid his or her body of the excess calories. To be diagnosed with
bulimia, a person must have had, on average, a minimum of two binge-eating episodes a
week for at least three months. The first problem with any eating disorder is constant
concern with food and weight to the exclusion of almost all other personal concerns.
Who develops bulimia?
Bulimia nervosa typically begins in adolescence or early adulthood. Like anorexia nervosa,
bulimia mainly affects females. Only ten percent to 15 percent of affected individuals are
male. An estimated two percent to three percent of young women develop bulimia,
compared with the one-half to one percent that is estimated to suffer from anorexia. Studies
indicate that about 50 percent of those who begin an eating disorder with anorexia nervosa
later become bulimic.
It is believed that more than five million individuals experience an eating disorder (bulimia
nervosa or anorexia nervosa) in this country alone. It is ten times more common in women
than men, with greatest prevalence occurring in adolescents and college-age young adults.
This indicates a need for concern and preventive measures on college campuses across
the country, especially for female students.
How do people with bulimia control their weight?
People with bulimia are overly concerned with body shape and weight. They make repeated
attempts to control their weight by fasting and dieting, vomiting, using drugs to stimulate
bowel movements and urination, and exercising excessively. Weight fluctuations are
common because of alternating binges and fasts. Unlike people with anorexia, people with
bulimia are usually within a normal weight range. However, many heavy people who lose
weight begin vomiting to maintain the weight loss.
What are the common signs of bulimia?
Constant concern about food and weight is a primary sign of bulimia. Common indicators
that suggest the self-induced vomiting that persons with bulimia experience are the erosion
of dental enamel (due to the acid in the vomit) and scarring on the backs of the hands (due
to repeatedly pushing fingers down the throat to induce vomiting).
A small percentage of people with bulimia show swelling of the glands near the cheeks
called parotid glands. People with bulimia may also experience irregular menstrual periods
and a decrease in sexual interest. A depressed mood is also commonly observed as are
frequent complaints of sore throats and abdominal pain. Despite these telltale signs, bulimia
nervosa is difficult to catch early. Binge eating and purging are often done in secret and
can be easily concealed by a normal-weight person who is ashamed of his or her behavior,
but compelled to continue it because he or she believes it controls weight.
Characteristically, these individuals have many rules about food -- e.g. good foods, bad
foods -- and can be entrenched in these rules and particular thinking patterns. This
preoccupation and these behaviors allow the person to shift their focus from painful feelings
and reduce tension and anxiety perpetuating the need for these behaviors.
Are there any serious medical complications?
Persons with bulimia -- even those of normal weight -- can severely damage their bodies by
frequent binging and purging. Electrolyte imbalance and dehydration can occur and may
cause cardiac complications and, occasionally, sudden death. In rare instances, binge
eating can cause the stomach to rupture, and purging can result in heart failure due to the
loss of vital minerals like potassium.
Do we know what causes bulimia?
The current obsession with thinness in our culture certainly has a large influence. There is
some evidence that obesity in adolescence or familial tendency toward obesity predisposes
an individual to the development of the disorder. Parents’ anxiety over a chubby child can
perhaps also be a contributor. Some individuals with bulimia report feeling a "kind of high"
when they vomit. People with bulimia are often compulsive and may also abuse alcohol and
drugs. Eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia tend to run in families, and girls are most
susceptible. Recently, scientists have found certain neurotransmitters (serotonin and
norepinephrine) to be decreased in some persons with bulimia. Most likely, it is a
combination of environmental and biological factors that contribute to the development and
expression of this disorder. During the early 1970s, before the prevalence of bulimia was
more widely recognized, almost all persons with an eating disorder believed they had
invented the behaviors and that no one else had such a problem. As in anorexia nervosa,
the behaviors associated with bulimia provide temporary relief from tension and allow ill
persons to focus less on problems perceived as irresolvable and to instead focus on body
weight and food.
Is treatment available for persons with bulimia?
Most people with bulimia can be treated through individual outpatient therapy because they
aren't in danger of starving themselves as are persons with anorexia. However, if the
bulimia is out of control, admission to an eating disorders treatment program may help the
individual let go of their behaviors so they can concentrate on treatment.
Group therapy is especially effective for college-aged and young adult women because of
the understanding of the group members. In group therapy they can talk with peers who
have similar experiences. Additionally, support groups can be helpful as they can be
attended for as long as necessary, have flexible schedules, and generally have no charge.
Support groups, however, do not take the place of treatment. Sometimes a person with an
eating disorder is unable to benefit from group therapy or support groups without the
encouragement of a personal therapist.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy, either in a group setting or individual therapy session, has
been shown to benefit many persons with bulimia. It focuses on self-monitoring of eating
and purging behaviors as well as changing the distorted thinking patterns associated with
the disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy is often combined with nutritional counseling
and/or antidepressant medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
Treatment plans should be adjusted to meet the needs of the individual concerned, but
usually a comprehensive treatment plan involving a variety of experts and approaches is
best. It is important to take an approach that involves developing support for the person
with an eating disorder from the family environment or within the patient’s community
environment (support groups or other socially supportive environments).
What about prevention?
Prevention research is increasing as scientists study the known "risk factors" to these
disorders. Given that bulimia and other eating disorders are multi-determined and affect
young women, there is preliminary information on the role and extent such factors as self
esteem, resilience, family interactions, peer pressure, the media and dieting might play in its
development. Advocacy groups are also engaged in prevention through efforts such as
removing damaging articles from teen magazines on "dieting" and the importance of "being
thin."
Mia: Bulimia Nervosa
Coe: Compulsive Over-eating disorder
Ednos: Eating disorder not otherwise specified
BED: Binge eating disorder.
ED: Eating disorder
SI: Self injury
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