Eating disorders are not uncommon.
They affect up to 5% of the population and usually develop in adolescence and young adulthood, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
Famous celebrities have also spoken out about their struggles with eating disorders to raise awareness about the issue.
When Lady Gaga spoke at an event in 2012, she opened up about her struggles with eating disorders.
“I used to throw up all the time in high school. So I’m not very confident,” she recalls.
Lady Gaga continued, “I wanted to be a skinny little ballerina, but I was a voluptuous little Italian girl whose father had meatballs on the table every night.”
At some point the Born this way singer revealed that her bulimia even started to affect her singing. “It made my voice bad, so I had to stop.”
Bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by cycles of overeating (binge eating), followed by compensatory behaviors such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or laxative abuse.
People with bulimia often feel out of control during binge eating and may experience intense feelings of guilt, shame, or fear of weight gain afterwards.
Symptoms of bulimia
The symptoms of bulimia can be both physical and psychological. Common symptoms include frequent episodes of eating unusually large amounts of food in a short period of time, followed by abrupt behavior.
Individuals may secretly go to the bathroom after meals, use diet pills or laxatives, or exercise excessively.
Physical symptoms may include sore throat, swollen salivary glands, tooth erosion due to stomach acid, dehydration and gastrointestinal problems.
Emotional symptoms are often related to low self-esteem, body dysmorphia, anxiety and mood swings. Over time, bulimia can lead to serious complications, such as electrolyte imbalances, which can affect heart function.
Treatment and management
The treatment of bulimia focuses on addressing both the psychological and physical aspects of the disorder.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches, helping individuals change harmful thought patterns and behaviors related to food and body image.
Medical care may be necessary to manage physical complications, while nutritional counseling helps develop healthy eating habits. In some cases, medications such as antidepressants may be prescribed to reduce binge-purge cycles.
