Bulimia: see food as a condemnation
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Bulimia is an eating disorder that consists of episodes during which the subject assumes significantly higher amount of food that necessary. On such occasions the subject bulimic is unable to stop, then the disorder is associated with a loss of control. The expert in psychology sheds light on this disease
Only in Italy 2 million young people suffering from eating disorders, mostly girls, and 40% of cases occur between 15 and 19 years. Let's see what is bulimia.
Characteristics of bulimia
During these crises bulimics or, more commonly, 'binges', they consume food normally considered high calorie. The way you eat is also messy, compulsive and fast as it swallows without chewing or savor what you have in your mouth. Moreover, those who suffer from bulimia are obsessed with the fear of gaining weight; for this reason, we resort to extreme practices in order to compensate for the intake of considerable quantities of food, such as self-induced vomiting or the intake of laxatives or diuretics.
Triggers of bulimia
Among the main triggers of binge eating are all mood stages defined 'euphoric' like ' anxiety , sadness, anger or boredom as well as all life situations of stress.
Causes of bulimia
There are many causes associated with these eating disorders. First, there are genetic causes, which contribute to the appearance of the disease, and socio-cultural factors, namely the hard and demanding today's standards of beauty, very often pointed out as crucial factors in the disease process. In addition, the low self-esteem or perfectionism are characteristics found between bulimic subjects.
consequences of bulimia
The consequences of bulimia can be very serious if they are not taken seriously and affect the person psychologically (of mood disorders), social (relationships are compromised) and, above all, physical (bloating of the abdomen, ulcers, renal and cardiovascular alterations problems).
How to deal with bulimia
The treatment that turned out to be the most effective is one that is derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy: the goal is not just to change the thoughts, behaviors and feelings that cause the eating disorder but also to improve the psychological aspects more fragile patient (self-esteem, social relationships, etc.).
Article written in collaboration of Dr. José Moreno Magaña, a specialist in psychology