Category: All Articles

Bulimia and acid reflux

The Relationship Between Bulimia, Acid Reflux & GERD

While research is ongoing, there have been some studies and reports suggesting a relationship between bulimia nervosa (BN) and acid reflux.

If left untreated, this type of digestive difficulty can eventually lead to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a fairly serious, chronic condition that can also cause further health complications over time.

Person searching for information

The Effects of Bulimia on the Parotid Gland 

Bulimia can impact the parotid glands, which are salivary glands that serve a number of important purposes. Repeated purging can cause these glands to swell, which can change the shape of the face and potentially cause other health complications.

Pro-ana websites

The Dangers of ‘Pro Ana’ Websites 

Pro-anorexia websites and similar content represent a significant source of potential harm to people struggling with anorexia nervosa (AN) or those at risk of developing it. 

These sources spread dangerous misinformation and can encourage unhealthy ways of viewing one’s own body and the bodies of others.

Effects of bulimia on the throat

The Effects of Bulimia on the Throat

Due to the physical impact of purging, bulimia nervosa (BN) has the potential to cause significant damage to the throat.

These complications can make it hard to talk and painful to swallow. And the repeated behavior can even increase the risk of esophageal cancer, a dangerous and potentially deadly condition.

Person visiting doctor's office

What Bulimia Does to the Mouth 

Bulimia can cause significant damage to a person’s oral health, especially their teeth, mostly as a result of purging. 

And while it’s possible to stop or reverse some of these effects, the longer someone struggles with disordered eating behavior, the more at risk they become for imparting permanent damage.

Can bulimia kill you?

Can Bulimia Kill You?

Of all mental health disorders, eating disorders are often considered the most dangerous—and, sadly, the conditions often have a high mortality rate.

Patient at doctor's office

Bulimia And Laxative Misuse 

Many people with bulimia nervosa (BN) or other eating disorders misuse laxatives in the hopes of losing or controlling weight. But this practice is not only ineffective, it can also be dangerous.

How Does Bulimia Affect Your Jaw?

Bulimia jaw is a term for a number of symptoms that can result from the purging aspect of bulimia nervosa (BN). It can refer to swelling, intense pain, and a misalignment of the jaw, and sometimes require surgery to correct.

Person sick in wheelchair

Death From Anorexia: What Happens to the Body?

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious mental health condition that can profoundly change a person’s health over time.

Person looking into the distance

Risk Factors & Predictors of Anorexia 

There are a number of indicators that you may be more susceptible to developing anorexia nervosa (AN). Everything from your individual physiology, to the way you think about your body, to your cultural upbringing can all be potential anorexia risk factors.

Person looking at statistics

Statistics on Anorexia in Men & Boys

The numbers around men with anorexia and eating disorders may be misleading. For example, a frequently quoted statistic is that 10% of anorexia cases are male, but even that statistic may be inaccurate, with some studies indicating the ratio may be higher.

Medications for anorexia

Commonly Prescribed Medications for Anorexia 

At present, there is no single medication for anorexia that can replace the benefits therapies can provide. However, some medications can address a few of the mental health symptoms many people with anorexia develop.

The Connection Between Anorexia & Genetics 

Anorexia and genetics have a connection, although researchers aren’t exactly sure in what way.  If you have people in your immediate family who suffer from anorexia or other eating disorders, be mindful of that fact and consider adopting healthy habits to reduce your risk of developing an eating disorder yourself.

Bulimia facts

5 Bulimia Facts That May Surprise You

Understanding bulimia facts can help you spot the condition in people who need help. And armed with information, you can help them to get the treatment they need.

woman in nature

Bulimia Treatment Centers: Costs & Insurance Coverage

All across the United States, bulimia treatment centers help people overcome damaging impulses, habits, and behaviors. Each one is slightly different, but all share some core attributes.

Woman with an idea

Bulimia vs. Binge Eating: Key Differences

Bulimia and binge eating disorder have a lot in common. Both involve episodes of bingeing, and both can be associated with weight gain. But there are significant differences between these two common eating disorders.

Person questioning if they have bulimia

Am I Bulimic? Questions to Ask Yourself 

Run a search for “bulimia test,” and you’ll get more than 8 million Google results. Should you take one? And what should you do with your score?

woman at dentist

Bulimia & the Teeth: Effects & Signs of Damage

Bulimia doesn’t technically harm your teeth. But one habit common in people with bulimia can cause extensive dental damage you’ll need a professional to address

Medical professional

How to Treat Bulimia: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals 

Bulimia is a severe mental health disorder, but it responds to treatment. The sooner you spot the signs and enroll a patient in care, the more likely it is that the person will make a full recovery.

Child struggling with bulimia

How to Help a Child or Teenager With Bulimia

Knowing how to help someone with bulimia isn’t easy for anyone. It’s especially difficult for parents. 

Bulimia can touch teenagers; some start eating in unusual patterns long before they qualify for a formal bulimia diagnosis. Spotting the early signs can help you intervene and get your child the proper treatment.

Person looking into the distance

The Relationship Between Bulimia, Acne, Rashes, and Skin Issues

Bulimia and acne are closely related. Bingeing and purging can harm your skin in visible and persistent ways, and it’s hard to clear up acne while your eating disorder persists.

Bulimia can cause other unsightly changes to your skin too. And sometimes, those problems are so noticeable that your friends and family ask questions.

Doctor's office

Medication for Bulimia: Commonly Prescribed Medicines

Bulimia medication could be part of your recovery plan. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can ease physical symptoms, reduce urges, and help you feel better. 

Researchers say bulimia medications are generally helpful. [1] One medication, fluoxetine, is FDA-approved for bulimia treatment. Your doctor can dip into other options if you don’t respond to this treatment.

Person hiking

Exercise Bulimia and Anorexia Athletica: Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors & More 

The terms exercise bulimia and anorexia athletica are synonyms. They refer to a condition many live with, but few experts have studied it. If you have lost control of your exercise habit, you may need to keep reading.

Person visiting a doctor's office

What Happens to the Body After Recovering From Bulimia?

Before bulimia and after—you can probably split your life into these two parts, and chances are, you’d like the “after” part to begin as quickly as possible. Recovery from bulimia isn’t quick, and most people need months (or years) to complete the process. [1] But your hard work is worthwhile.

Person with anorexia

Anorexia Facts & Myths: What You Need to Know

Anorexia is a very serious eating disorder that is plagued by a lot of misinformation online. For instance, many people think of anorexia as a condition affecting only women. But that isn’t true.

We’ve outlined some important anorexia facts and myths below and cover some tips on the best ways to avoid further misinformation when doing your own research online.

Person visiting doctor's office about hair

Anorexia & Hair Loss: What It Means

Anorexia and hair loss are connected, primarily due to the fact that nutrition plays a significant role in hair health. 

As a person begins to radically alter their diet and eat less than the recommended amount of nutrients every day, they can develop a number of health symptoms, hair loss included.

Man hiking

Manorexia: Causes & Signs of Anorexia in Men

Manorexia is not an official medical term, but it is commonly used in the media to define anorexia in men.

Anorexia is an eating disorder that is characterized by distortions in body image, an obsession with weight, and significant food and/or calorie deprivation. Someone with anorexia often has serious food restriction.

Person looking at graphs

Anorexia Mortality Rates

More than one person dies every hour as a result of an eating disorder, which equates to more than 10,000 deaths each year in the U.S. (1) Of all mental health disorders, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate. (2)

Statistics on a computer

Anorexia Statistics – Gender, Race & Socioeconomics 

An estimated 30 million people in the United States have had an eating disorder at some point in their lifetime. This equates to about 20 million women and 10 million men.

Anorexia & Gastroparesis 

Gastroparesis is common in people with feeding and eating disorders like anorexia. Studies show that about half of those presenting with gastroparesis symptoms also show signs of a feeding or eating disorder.