Bulimia Hope

Recovery from Bulimia - A daily approach of humility and action

2012-01-11T08:29:00.000-08:00

Recovery from bulimia, and other eating disorders requires many changes in the individual - emotionally, physically, spiritually, environmentally, etc. Many also find that authenticity with those they are in close relationships with, also enhances recovery from disordered eating.

Guest Blogger posting by Tricia Davis of Beautiful, Amazing Me!

2012-01-10T07:38:00.000-08:00

Do you love yourself? Do you respect yourself? Come join me for a weekend to begin your journey in building confidence and self-esteem.

Check out our Beautiful Amazing Me website and retreats designed to enhance the self esteem of girls, ages 11 to 13.

Questions? Please email info@beautifulamazingme.com or call 817.691.0833

Join us at our next “Healthy Girl, Strong Girl” retreat (for girls aged 11-13) at the beautiful Texas Star Ranch iX

Eating Disorder Hope Blog Update

2012-01-08T00:00:00.001-08:00

To our dear Visitors:

We wish to thank you for your continued support and loyalty to Eating Disorder Hope. Presently, our blogs are temporarily under construction as we seek to improve, enhance, and develop greater resources. During this time, blog posts will be kept to a minimum, but we excitedly look forward to offering you increased resources in the very near future. In the meantime, please follow Eating Disorder Hope on Facebook for up-to-date articles, resources, and support for eating disorders or access our website at www.eatingdisorderhope.com. We thank you for your patience during this time and hope you will continue to choose Eating Disorder Hope for your one stop resource for eating disorder treatment information and recovery tools. We look forward to continually serving you!

Blessings,

Eating Disorder Hope

Support For Those With Bulimia This Christmas

2011-12-17T01:13:00.000-08:00

The holiday season can be a wonderful time of thanksgiving and fellowship with friends and family, but for those suffering with bulimia, the absolute abundance of food during the holiday season can be overbearing and difficult to cope with. Since the holidays tend to revolve around food and feasting, this can be the most challenging time of the year for bulimia sufferers, particularly as overwhelming feelings of panic, anxiety, and fear may be invoked. It is not uncommon that the pressure of holidays such as Christmas can instigate a worsening of behaviors for many with eating disorders. With the support of loved ones, Christmas doesn’t have to be associated with deterring feelings or anxiety about food, but rather a day to commemorate love, family and friends. If you or a loved one is struggling with bulimia, please continue reading here for tips and support during this holiday season.

Be encouraged that recovery is possible and can continue to be maintained, even during difficult time periods. If you have been in recovery from bulimia, what advice can you share for those who are struggling during this holiday season?

Personal Matters: Eating disorders and our family dynamics

2011-12-02T21:31:00.000-08:00

Personal Matters
Susan Britt
Source: http://www.gloucestertimes.com

Eating disorders are epidemic in America, and are likely to be at their most destructive and intense during this holiday period from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve because holidays tend to stir up suppressed feelings.
...Continue reading here.
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The holidays can be a particularly stressful time, especially if you are attempting to maintain recovery from an eating disorder. What are effective ways of coping and managing stress during this holiday season without engaging in eating disorder behaviors?

Bulimia, binge-eating issues for men are on rise

2011-11-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Marjie Gilliam/ Cox Newspapers

Source: http://www.detnews.com

Traditionally thought of as affecting mostly women, eating disorders among men are on the rise.

Harvard research results from the first national study of eating disorders in a population of nearly 3,000 adults found 25 percent of those with anorexia or bulimia and 40 percent of binge eaters were men. It was previously thought that men accounted for only about 10 percent of anorexia and bulimia cases.

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by gorging of food followed by purging or other methods to control weight, while anorexia is self-starvation marked by the refusal or inability to maintain normal weight combined with intense fear of gaining weight. Binge eating is the uncontrolled consumption of large amounts of food, and here, too, the number of men suffering from the condition is increasing.

Of the three eating disorders, binge eating is the only one considered nonlife-threatening, and not officially recognized as a psychiatric disorder.

Many active, thin males with extremely low body fat levels are looked upon as fit and healthy when, in fact, they may be struggling with an eating disorder. Due to the stigma attached, along with a reluctance to admit lack of control, men are less likely than women to seek treatment.

In addition, men are more likely to be diagnosed with having depression when significant appetite changes occur than receive a primary diagnosis of an eating disorder.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20111116/LIFESTYLE03/111160306/Bulimia--binge-eating-issues-for-men-are-on-rise#ixzz1e5Hq4aWa

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Why are men less likely to seek treatment for an eating disorder than women? What are ways to increase awareness of how bulimia and binge-eating issues impact men?

Vail health: Bulimia and the brain

2011-11-16T00:47:00.000-08:00

Randy Wyrick
rwyrick@vaildaily.com
VAIL CO, Colorado

Source: http://www.vaildaily.com

VAIL — Don't put your kid on a diet, because diets don't work, says Dr. Kenneth Weiner, an expert in eating disorders and brain development.

Within three years, 90 percent of people weigh more than they did before the diet. The other 10 percent have built lifestyle changes into their lives, Weiner said.

Weiner is co-founder, CEO and chief medical officer of the Eating Recovery Center in Denver and has been treating eating disorders for more than 25 years. He talked to Colorado School Counselors Association's annual conference at the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa on Friday.

To help adolescents avoid eating disorders, concentrate on who they are and not what they are, what's on the inside rather than what's on the outside, he said.

“We live in an obese society and childhood obesity is going to break the healthcare bank. My patients are the collateral damage,” Weiner said.

...Continue reading here.

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What are the various factors that are thought to contribute to the development of bulimia?

Cheerleading and Bulimia: A Serious Risk

2011-11-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

By Samantha Van Vleet
Source: http://sports.yahoo.com

Bulimia is a very serious eating disorder that can have long-lasting and serious consequences for those who suffer from it. With approximately 1% of the population suffering from bulimia, it isn't any wonder that that eating disorders, such as bulimia, has made their way into the world of cheerleading. Unfortunately, it seems that cheerleaders may be at a greater risk of developing eating disorders due to increased levels of pressure to maintain certain weight standards.

What is bulimia?

Bulimia is commonly used as shorthand for the medical condition known as bulimia nervosa. Unlike anorexia, bulimia is characterized by the consumption of a large quantity of food during a short period of time (also known as binging) followed by efforts to remove the food from the body though means such as induced vomiting (also known as purging) and the over-use of laxatives. Bulimics most commonly induce vomiting and may exercise excessively.

What are the symptoms of bulimia?

Bulimia can be much more difficult to spot than other disorders such as anorexia because many bulimics present at an average and even above-average weight. Cheerleaders suffering from bulimia may be expressing extreme amounts of stress of anxiety regarding their weight. Bulimics may talk about weight loss, diets and exercise routines to an excessive degree. They are likely dissatisfied with their body size and shape. A bulimic cheerleader may demonstrate extremely secretive behaviors following activities that involve food, such as sneaking off alone following eating. A cheerleader with bulimia may also be abusing diet pills and laxatives. Bulimic cheerleaders are likely to suffer from dizziness and light-headedness as well.

....Continue reading here.

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If you suspect that a friend, teammate, or loved one is struggling with bulimia, what might be some helpful ways to approach them and convey your concern?

It’s bulimia

2011-10-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

By Dr MILTON LUM

Source: http://thestar.com
When you eat excessively and then try to purge the food through various means, you’re suffering from bulimia.

BULIMIA nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by cycles of eating large amounts of food (binge eating) followed by the sufferer taking measures to get rid of it (purging) by stimulating vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercising.

The cause of eating disorders is unknown. However, it is believed to be due to a complex interaction between biological, family, psychological, and social factors.

The causative factors include:
·Family history of parents or siblings with an eating disorder suggests a biological factor.
·Psychological factors like poor self-esteem, perfectionism, disturbed relationships and family conflicts may be contributing factors.
·Social factors like media focus on body shapes and peer pressure may be contributing factors in teenage girls.
... Continue reading here.
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If you or someone you know may be struggling with bulimia, what might be some of the factors that may be preventing you from seeking the appropriate help you need?

The secret world of mid-life bulimics

2011-09-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

It's usually associated with teenage girls but bulimia is also afflicting women overwhelmed by the pressures of modern family life

By Charlotte Kemp

Source: www.dailymail.co.uk

With her Karen Millen pencil skirt, pretty blouse and two-inch heels, Heather Cooper looks very much the professional.

Every morning, she arrives at her London office immaculately dressed, her blonde hair groomed into a chignon and her nails carefully manicured.

But the truth is, behind her polished exterior, this 45-year-old sales and training manager from Hertfordshire is hiding a self-destructive secret. For Heather is bulimic, caught in a cycle of bingeing and purging which destroyed one long-term relationship and has robbed her of the chance of motherhood. Yet she cannot stop.

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Eating disorders are a struggle, no matter what age you may be. What can be the difficulties of struggling with bulimia in mid-life as opposed to a adolescent or young adult?

CU research: Bulimic purging alters chemistry within brain

2011-09-16T00:38:00.000-07:00

by SARA CASTELLANOS, Staff Writer
Source: www.aurorasentinel.com

Research conducted by psychiatrists at the University of Colorado Hospital shows that bulimia has discernible effects on the brain.

Dr. Guido Frank, psychiatrist and assistant professor in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department at Children’s Hospital Colorado found that there is a direct correlation between the number of binge-purge episodes someone has, and the sensitivity of the brain-reward system, which includes the release of dopamines.

“It’s a bit like a drug abuse model,” he said. “When you use the drug for the first time you might get excited over it, but then over a certain time you might become dependent for different reasons, and then the brain responds less to it.”
...Continue reading here.
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If you or someone you know is currently in recovery from bulimia, what have been motivating factors that have encouraged you to seek treatment?

Teen surviving four-year struggle with bulimia nervosa

2011-08-22T10:22:00.000-07:00

By Diane Crocker
Source: www.thewesternstar.com

CORNER BROOK — For almost four years Belle has been fighting a war with herself and with food.
A war the 18-year-old young woman from a small community on the Northern Peninsula is finally ready to end.
Belle, not her real name, has bulimia nervosa.
She believes her eating disorder, which started when she was 15, was triggered by stress.
...Continue reading article
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Recovery journeys from eating disorders are as unique and distinctive as the individual in recovery. What is something you may have experienced in your recovery that has encouraged you to keep striving towards a life free from bulimia?

Research links bulimia to disordered impulse control

2011-08-19T09:10:00.000-07:00

Author: Eva Valenti
Source: Stanfordmedicine.org

Although some consider eating disorders like bulimia to be the over-hyped, Hollywoodian maladies of the wealthy and superficial, the fact is that they are serious psychiatric disorders. Bulimia seems to be particularly complex from a psychological standpoint.
...Continue reading article

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New research studies on bulimia are continuing to demonstrate the serious implications of this disease as well as the importance of treatment for recovery. If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia, what steps have you taken to seek treatment or towards recovery?

Family Therapy Helps Teens With Bulimia

2011-08-05T15:51:00.000-07:00

by Salynn Boyles @ WebMD Health News

"A family-based approach showing promise to help treat children and teens with anorexia may be an even more effective treatment for bulimia. Family-based treatment involves close monitoring of an anorexic or bulimic child's eating behavior by parents who are encouraged to intervene when they see signs that the behavior is out of control."

Please finish reading this article by following this link:
http://www.webmd.com/mental-health/bulimia-nervosa/news/20070904/family-therapy-helps-teens-with-bulimia
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What are other ways in which a family can become involved in an individual's recovery from bulimia?

Therapeutic Writing and Bulimia Treatment

2011-08-03T13:29:00.000-07:00

Source for article:
http://www.eating-disorder-resources.com/category/eating-disorder-articles/

"Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of binge eating and purging. Binge eating is defined as eating excessive calories in a relatively short amount of time, while purging follows by using vomiting or laxatives to prevent the food from causing any weight gain."

Please follow this link to continue reading this article regarding therapeutic writing and bulimia treatment:
http://www.eating-disorder-resources.com/eating-disorder-articles/bulimia/therapeutic-writing-and-bulimia-treatment/
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If you or someone you know is struggling with bulimia, what are therapeutic methods you may use/know of that have helped you in recovery?

To read more excellent articles regarding eating disorders, visit the Eating Disorder Hope Articles Library.

Bulimia Nervosa

2009-07-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Bulimia Nervosa is an eating disorder where the main characteristics are binge eating and compensatory behaviors in order to prevent weight gain. Bulimics are caught in the devastating and addictive binge purge cycle.For individuals suffering from Bulimia, the binge can be seen as a reward within itself and a way to cope with daily stresses and feelings. Bulimic binges usually consist of a larger than normal quantity of food, that typically are high in caloric intake. For individuals with Bulimia, the binge eating usually occurs in secrecy and rarely in the presence of others.The types of food vary but are often sweet and/or high in fat content. Some binges are planned in advance by the Bulimic, but generally they are impulsive. Triggers for binges in Bulimia include dysphoric mood, interpersonal stressors, boredom, prolonged dieting, and body image dissatisfaction.The binge eating in Bulimia Nervosa may temporarily numb the negative feelings, but this state is quickly followed by feelings of failure. The Bulimic is often ashamed of their binges and views the Bulimic behavior as a loss of control and a reason for low self esteem. This is why it is often hard for Bulimics to come forward and seek help.Individuals suffering from Bulimia follow their binge eating behavior with compensatory behaviors in an attempt to counteract the binge episodes. The most common form of compensatory behavior for individuals suffering from Bulimia is vomiting. The Bulimic usually induces vomiting directly following the binge.For the Bulimic, the act of purging may temporarily reduce the feeling of fullness and reduce their fear of weight gain from the binge. Some individuals with Bulimia even look forward to the purging behavior as they enjoy the feeling of release the purging behavior temporarily affords.Other compensatory behaviors that individuals with Bulimia use in an attempt to prevent weight gain include use of laxatives, enemas, diuretics, diet pills, ipecac, strict diets, fasts, insulin abuse, chew spitting, and vigorous exercise.Bulimics, like Anorexics, are also obsessively involved with their body shape and weight. An individual with Bulimia Nervosa will often obsessively check their body size and weight through frequent weighing, measuring, pinching, and viewing themselves in a mirror. For the Bulimic, the individual's self worth is directly tied to their body shape and weight.Some of the common potential medical complications of practicing Bulimia include Cardiac Arrhythmia, esophageal tears, electrolyte imbalance, digestive problems, and dental problems. For a complete list of potential medical problems for Bulimia, visit our Medical Complications page.The medical complications of Bulimia can be severe and like Anorexia, if left untreated, can become life threatening.You can and will overcome the binge purge cycle, but you can’t do it alone. Rader Programs knows how shameful it feels to bear the burden of Bulimia and can help you to full recovery with the right Bulimia treatment. Our programs include inpatient care, outpatient care, daycare, continued care and a family program that provides you with the ultimate support. If laxatives and diet pills have become a way of life, we can design a Bulimia treatment program to break the cycle and provide a healthy eating plan created by a trained nutritionist specialized in Bulimia treatment. Don’t feel imprisoned in your own body any longer. Choose the Bulimia treatment that will set you free for life.Bulimia is characterized by feelings of failure. Rader Programs understands and can structure a Bulimia treatment plan to nourish your spirit as well as your body and mind. Through a combination of sessions with our interdisciplinary staff, we will build a healthier you with the right Bulimia treatment for your lifestyle. Programs can include inpatient care, outpatient care, daycare sessions, continued care and a weekend family program designed to work loved ones into your recovery process. Don’t suffer alone. Rader Programs has the Bulimia treatment that can help you succeed for life.
Copyright © 2009 Rader Programs. All Rights Reserved.

Excellent Information on Bulimia

2009-07-28T08:27:00.000-07:00

Excellent US Government Resource to educate individuals and their loved ones about Bulimia. Concise! Detailed!
Must see: http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/bulimia-nervosa.cfm