Treating Bulimia: Your Guide to Diagnosis & Recovery

Every journey towards healing begins with understanding and that’s exactly what our goal is for you in this blog post. We will discuss everything you need to know about this condition from diagnosis to treatment and everything else in between. 

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa is characterised by a cycle of binge eating followed by purging, where individuals consume large amounts of food in short periods and then attempt to expel (or ‘get rid’) the food through vomiting, fasting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives. This cycle is often driven by an intense fear of weight gain and a deep dissatisfaction with body shape and size.

It’s important to recognise that bulimia nervosa extends far beyond food and body image concerns. It is a serious mental health condition that significantly impacts an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. For many, bulimia nervosa acts as a destructive strategy for coping with difficult emotions and situations, offering a false sense of control.

You don’t have to navigate recovery from bulimia alone. Our team at Natural Food Therapy, comprised of compassionate eating disorder specialists, are here to offer the support and understanding you need. 

We believe in providing care that’s tailored to each individual’s journey because recovery looks different for everyone. 

Quick Navigation

1. Recognising the Signs: A Closer Look at the Symptoms of Bulimia
2. Diagnosing Bulimia: What to expect
3. Treating Bulimia: Strategies and Approaches for a Lasting Recovery
4. Who does Bulimia affect?
5. Why do people develop bulimia?
6. Are there different types of Bullimia?
7. Common misconceptions about Bulimia
8. What’s the difference between Bulimia and Binge Eating?
9. How can I help someone I suspect is struggling with bulimia?
10. Bulimia recovery stories
11. How can Natural Food Therapy help?
12. Frequently asked questions about Bulimia
    

Recognising the Signs: A Closer Look at the Symptoms of Bulimia

Bulimia nervosa can be hard to recognise as individuals with this condition often binge and purge in private. However, it’s important to understand that bulimia nervosa often presents itself through a range of other signs and behaviours. Bulimia nervosa is a complex mental illness that encompasses not only physical expressions but also emotional, behavioural and psychological aspects. Some of the signs and symptoms that may present for sufferers are listed below. 

Psychological/Emotional Signs and Symptoms:

• An overwhelming focus on food, body shape, and weight
• Heightened anxiety and discomfort surrounding meals
• Altered or distorted body image
• Disordered eating habits or beliefs
• Negative and critical self-talk
• Reduced self-worth, intense self-comparison, and feelings of inadequacy
• Extreme perfectionistic tendencies and black-and-white thinking
• Experiences of depression or resorting to substance misuse

Behavioral Signs and Symptoms:

• Strict dietary control and limitation
• Compulsive eating habits and rituals
• Consistent negative comments about weight/body
• Excessive body monitoring, like regular weighing or body measuring
• Secretive consumption of large food quantities in short timeframes
• Feeling a loss of control or “tunnel-vision” during binge episodes
• Cooking for others without eating
• Frequent restroom visits following meals
• Avoiding social situations and isolation from social circles
• Resorting to purging via self-induced vomiting, laxatives, diuretics, or extreme fasting and exercise
• Allowing disordered eating habits/thoughts to control decision-making

Physical Signs and Symptoms:

• Swollen cheeks or jaw line
• Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation and acid reflux
• Scars, scrapes or calluses on your knuckles (from forced throwing up)
• Fainting
• Fluctuations in weight
• Oral and dental problems
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Throat and esophageal damage
• Muscle weakness
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dehydration

Diagnosing Bulimia: What to expect

The journey to diagnosing bulimia begins with a simple conversation with a healthcare professional  (usually with a GP). Your GP is there to listen and guide you, helping to connect you with the right resources and specialists for further assessment in a supportive and confidential environment.

If you’re showing signs and symptoms of bulimia, an assessment may be taken to obtain an accurate diagnosis, facilitating the right course of treatment. This process typically includes a conversation about your feelings, thoughts, and behaviours regarding food, body weight, and self-image, which are crucial for understanding the extent of your condition. Additionally, medical professionals may administer tests to uncover any physical issues like electrolyte imbalances or nutritional deficiencies, which are important for ensuring you receive effective treatment. 

If you suspect you’re struggling with bulimia but haven’t received a formal diagnosis or found the support you need, it’s important to remember that you deserve help and understanding. At Natural Food Therapy, while we don’t provide clinical diagnoses, we acknowledge and support anyone struggling with their relationship with food. You are not alone in this journey, and recognising that you might need help is a powerful first step. Here, we offer holistic support that’s personalised to you, supporting you beyond a diagnosis. 

Treating Bulimia: Strategies and Approaches for a Lasting Recovery

The aims for bulimia treatment may include:

1. Building healthier coping mechanisms: Treatment supports individuals to build alternative, healthier ways to cope with stress, emotions, and life challenges.
2. Correcting nutrient deficiencies and electrolyte imbalances: A central part of treatment is addressing and restoring any nutritional deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances.
3. Nutritional counselling: Dietitians and nutritionists work with sufferers to establish a progressive eating plan and to create a healthy relationship with food.
4. Addressing disordered eating patterns: Through therapy and counselling, individuals learn to recognise and modify their disordered eating behaviours and thought patterns associated with bulimia. 
5. Psychological therapy: Working with a therapist specialising in eating disorders plays a central role in addressing the underlying psychological factors driving bulimia. This can help individuals to get to the root of the illness and create long-term changes.
6. Creating a fulfilling life: Part of recovery is helping individuals envision and work towards a future they are excited about, rediscovering passions and interests that contribute to an enjoyable life beyond bulimia.

These components work together to provide a comprehensive approach to the treatment of bulimia nervosa. The treatment plan is often personalised to meet the individual’s unique needs and may involve a combination of these elements. Early intervention and ongoing support can be helpful, however no matter how long you’ve been suffering, recovery is always possible.

Who does Bulimia affect?

Bulimia nervosa does not discriminate; it can affect individuals of any age, gender, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. However, it is most commonly diagnosed in adolescents and young adults and is seen more frequently in females, though males also suffer from the disorder. 

At Natural Food Therapy, we understand the diverse backgrounds of those affected by bulimia and strive to offer inclusive support that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by each individual.

Why do people develop bulimia?

The development of bulimia nervosa is a complex interplay of genetic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. The exact cause of bulimia nervosa isn’t known, however, it often begins as an attempt to manage unwanted emotions and pressure to conform to societal standards of beauty. Some of the factors that may contribute include:

• Genetics: Research suggests that genetics may play a role in susceptibility to eating disorders, including bulimia nervosa. Some people might be more likely to develop bulimia due to inherited traits. 
• Psychological Factors: Issues such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, impulsivity, and a history of trauma or abuse can increase the risk of developing bulimia.
• Societal Influences: Living in a culture that glorifies thinness and physical appearance can contribute to body dissatisfaction and the development of disordered eating behaviours.
• Dieting: Intentional dieting and weight loss efforts, often influenced by societal standards, can escalate into bulimia. Strict dieting can affect brain chemistry, amplifying the obsession with weight loss.
• Life Transitions: Significant changes or stressors, such as puberty, college, or relationship issues, can trigger the onset of bulimia in those who are vulnerable.
• Stress and Coping Mechanisms: When overwhelmed with stress without healthy ways to cope, some individuals may start limiting their food intake as an attempt to regain control and manage their feelings.

Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of bulimia nervosa is crucial in our approach to healing and recovery. Just as each individual is unique, so too are the combinations of factors that contribute to the development of bulimia.

Are there different types of Bulimia?

There are two main types of bulimia: the Purging Type and the Non-Purging Type.

Purging Type

Individuals with Purging Type Bulimia engage in purging behaviours to compensate for the food consumed during binge episodes. Purging can include self-induced vomiting, as well as the misuse of laxatives, diuretics, or enemas. These actions are often carried out in secret, and the cycle of bingeing and purging can become a compulsive and difficult pattern to break. 

From a nutritional standpoint, this type of bulimia can lead to severe electrolyte imbalances, dehydration, and gastrointestinal issues, among other health concerns. The psychological impact is also profound, as individuals may struggle with feelings of shame, guilt, and a distorted body image.

Non-Purging Type

On the other hand, individuals with Non-Purging Type Bulimia use other methods to compensate for the food consumed that do not involve purging. These behaviours can include fasting, strict dieting, or excessive exercise. While these actions might seem ‘healthier’ on the surface, they are driven by the same cycle of guilt and anxiety following binge eating episodes. 

This type of bulimia can be particularly challenging to identify and treat because the behaviours might overlap with socially accepted practices of dieting and fitness. However, the underlying motivation is a harmful attempt to control weight and body shape, leading to significant physical and psychological distress.

Common misconceptions about Bulimia

Misconceptions about bulimia can affect individuals’ diagnosis, delay treatment, and cast doubt in their minds about the severity of their situation.The following are some of the most common misconceptions about bulimia nervosa:

• Misconception: Bulimia Only Affects Young Women: While bulimia is more commonly diagnosed in young women, it can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or background. Men and older adults also suffer from bulimia, highlighting the need for awareness across all demographics.
• Misconception: Bulimia is a Choice or a Phase: Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health condition, not a lifestyle choice or a phase that someone can easily snap out of. It requires professional treatment and support for recovery.
• Misconception: You Can Tell Someone Has Bulimia Just by Looking at Them: Individuals with bulimia may maintain a normal weight, making it less visible to the outside observer. This invisibility can delay diagnosis and support.
• Misconception: Bulimia is Only About Bingeing and Purging: While binge eating and purging are central features, bulimia also involves complex psychological issues, including body dysmorphia, low self-esteem, and emotional distress. Treatment therefore requires a holistic approach.

What’s the difference between Bulimia and Binge Eating?

Bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder (BED) share similarities, particularly the presence of recurrent binge eating episodes. However, there are distinct differences that set them apart.

Individuals with bulimia engage in regular binge eating episodes followed by compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, fasting, or the misuse of laxatives. These actions are driven by an intense fear of weight gain and dissatisfaction with body shape and size. Bulimia involves a cycle of eating large quantities of food in a short period followed by an attempt to counteract the binge.

BED is characterised by recurrent episodes of binge eating without the regular use of compensatory behaviours typical in bulimia. Individuals with BED may eat large amounts of food while feeling a lack of control during the binge but do not regularly purge, exercise excessively, or fast afterwards.

How can I help someone I suspect is struggling with bulimia?

Discovering that someone you care about might be struggling with bulimia nervosa can bring up feelings of concern, confusion, and a desire to help. At Natural Food Therapy, we understand the delicacy of this situation and recommend a compassionate, supportive approach to encourage their journey towards recovery. Here are some crucial steps to provide the care and understanding they need:

1. Educate Yourself: Learning about bulimia, its symptoms, and effects can prepare you to offer informed support and understand what your loved one is experiencing.
2. Open a Dialogue: Approach your loved one in a private, non-judgmental setting. Express your concerns gently, focusing on behaviours and changes you’ve noticed rather than appearance.
3. Listen Actively: Give them space to share their feelings without offering solutions or judgments. Sometimes, being heard is the most crucial step.
4. Avoid triggering language: Be mindful in the language you use, avoiding conversations centred on dieting, weight, or looks.
5. Encourage Professional Help: Gently suggest the benefits of seeking support from eating disorder specialists, offering to help them find resources or accompany them to appointments.
6. Offer assistance: Ask if your loved one would find your support useful in their recovery. Show your willingness to assist without taking control.

By following these steps with empathy and patience, you can play a vital role in your loved one’s journey toward recovery from bulimia. Additionally, you may wish to book a consultation with one of our specialists to learn more about how you can support a loved one through recovery.

Bulimia recovery stories

In our experience, true recovery is always possible. 

On our testimonial page, we have videos and articles from individuals like Lucy, whose journey through bulimia recovery has been life-changing. After realising she needed support and reaching out to the NHS, Lucy was told they couldn’t offer her support, despite being diagnosed with an eating disorder. Not giving up, Lucy continued her search online and came across Natural Food Therapy. We believe everyone deserves access to support, no matter what. 

Lucy bravely opens up about her journey and how she broke free from the cycle of bingeing and purging with us. If you’d like to hear from others who have been there, Lucy’s recovery story might just be what you need to hear. Listen to her full story here and see how it’s possible to turn recovery into reality.

How can Natural Food Therapy help?

At Natural Food Therapy, we provide a distinctive approach to bulimia recovery, offering a comprehensive programme that works alongside medical intervention.

Our team of bulimia coaches consists of trained nutritional therapists with specialised expertise in eating disorders. Additionally, our approach is uniquely personal, ensuring each specialist works with no more than five clients. Our support blends various healing methods like nutritional therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), counselling, specialised coaching, and Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). In your journey, a dedicated specialist works directly with you, creating a tailored and effective recovery plan. 

This method is geared towards those outside of inpatient care, seeking a direct, understanding, and whole-person approach to healing. Start your true recovery from bulimia with our private coaching, where an eating disorder specialist actively joins you on your path to recovery.

Frequently asked questions about Bulimia