Mirasol Eating Disorder Recovery Centers

Myths

About

Bulimia

Bulimia is a widespread, but very

misunderstood problem.

Bulimia is an eating disorder involving binge eating followed by purging. It poses significant health threats, including kidney and heart disease. About 8 million Americans suffer from eating disorders, with bulimia being more prevalent than anorexia. Bulimia mostly effects women and teens, although some men develop the condition. Bulimia – and the people who suffer from it – are often misunderstood by the public and even by the medical community.

MYTH 1: Bulimia always involves vomiting

Although bulimia is defined by a binge and purge pattern of behavior, vomiting is not always part of the process. Vomiting is just one way a bulimic person may try to purge. Excess consumption of laxatives and diuretics to compel elimination is another method bulimics may use to purge.

MYTH 2: Youth with bulimia will grow out of it

Many people mistakenly believe that bulimia is “just a phase” and teens affected by the disorder will eventually grow out of it. The truth is that problems with bulimia can persist into adulthood and bulimics may grow particularly adept at hiding the problem as they get older.

MYTH 3: Bulimia only affects women

Although women are the largest group of people suffering from bulimia, men also are affected by the condition. About 10 to 15 percent of people affected by bulimia are male. Men involved in sports or exercise may be adept at hiding this condition.

Dieting is often blamed as bulimia’s cause, but the answer is not that simple. Much like other eating disorders, bulimia is commonly linked to a need for control. People suffering from bulimia often have other deep-rooted psychological issues in need of treatment. Bulimia is much more than just a strong desire to lose weight.

MYTH 4: Dieting is a cause

MYTH 5: Bulimia isn’t serious

Many people see bulimia as merely over-enthusiastic dieting and don’t realize the serious health problems it can create. Bulimics are not getting important nutrients they need. They are at elevated risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach rupturing.

Some Facts About Bulimia

➢ Between one and four percent of

women suffer from bulimia at some

point in their lives.

➢ As many as five percent of college

age women may suffer from bulimia.

➢ About 70 percent of bulimics also

suffer from depression.

➢ Half of anorexics also develop

bulimic tendencies.

Mirasol Recovery Centers offer a variety of

therapy options…

Mirasol Recovery Centers takes an integrative approach to treating bulimia. Our trained staff of counselors, dietitians and other professionals combine cognitive-behavioral therapy with a variety of other treatments. We also focus on treating emotional issues that may contribute to bulimia.

About Mirasol Recovery Centers

Mirasol Recovery Centers, located in Tucson, AZ, specializes in helping

people struggling with eating disorders to lead healthier, happier lives. Our

staff has a variety of treatment options that we use to create an effective plan

for addressing clients’ individual issues. Our centers have an enviable

success rate in helping clients resolve anorexia, bulimia and other eating

disorders. For more information, visit http://www.mirasol.net/.

All photos taken from client website, Morguefile and

Everystockphoto and iStockPhoto.

Photo Credit

Bulimia is a serious health problem affecting millions of

people in the U.S. – mostly women and teens. This

condition is widely misunderstood and that

misunderstanding may cause families and individuals to

underestimate the seriousness of the condition.

Summary