Expert: Diana - 5/2/2004

Question
1. What causes bulimia?
2. What are symptoms of bulimia?
3. What can you do for someone that you know is you is bulimic, but isn't open about it?
4. Of all the people who are bulimic, what type of people are common patients? Sex, age, living situation, etc.
5. What happens to the physical fitness of a person with bulimia?
6. Do people with Bulimia have a greater chance and contracting HIV/sexually transmitted diseases? Woulf they have more trouble fighting these diseases? Why?
7. What is the nutrition/diet of a bulimic?
8. What are ways to treat people with bulimia?
9. Are bulimics affected differently by tobacco, alcohol, drugs, medications, etc. then people who not have the disorder? If yes, how so?
10. Would they have a greater chance at becoming pregnant if they were sexually active? Explain.
11. What is the defention of bulimia?
12. How can someone be diagnosed as a bulimic?
13. What is the prognosis of bulimia?
14. How long will the effects of bulimia last for?

Answer
Hi Lauren,

You are asking very good questions, but I hope this doesn't mean that you consider becoming bulimic.
Also if you are suffering from bulimia, these answers will not help you get over it, go get help.

1. There are many different theories regarding the causes of eating disorders. Most likely, eating disorders are caused by a combination of psychological, family, genetic, environmental and social factors.
Family stress of any kind can also be a significant factor contributing to the development of these illnesses. Dealing with difficult transitions, loss, or teasing about weight from friends or family may trigger eating disorders.
2. Symtoms: Swollen glands, rotten teeth etc.
3. There is nothing you could do to help a friend, just have a listening ear, and if the parents don't know, let them know.
4. Most bulimics are female, ages 15-20.
5. the affect on physical fitness depends on how seriously the person is suffering from the disorder.
6. No people with bulimia don't have a greater chance of getting these diseases.
7. Bulimics tend to overeat, then puke the food. Some just binge and don't throw up, and some over exercise to make up for the excess food.
8. Since eating disorders are usually a medical and psychological problem, treatment usually includes working with a therapist, nutritionist, and a doctor. The treatment that health care providers choose will fit each patient's own needs.
9. No, but many turn to tobacco after being treated for bulimia.
10. No they would not.
11. Go back to #7.
12. If they puke more than twice a weak, or exercise more than an hour a day (vigorously).
13. Bulimics (that are that way for many years) usually suffer from heart/lung disease.
14. Depends on when it is treated. If they have it for long, they may suffer for life.

Hope that helped,
Diana