Nutrition Facts - Diet And Nutrition - Free Diet Plans

Bulimia II

September 2nd, 2005

Can someone with bulimia get better?

Yes, a person with bulimia can get better. Different types of therapy have worked to help people with bulimia. This may include individual, group, and family therapy. A class of medicines, also used for depression, like Zoloft, has been effective when used with therapy. These medicines change the way certain chemicals work in the brain.
Can women who had bulimia in the past still get pregnant?

Bulimia can cause problems with a woman’s period. She may not get it every 4 weeks or it may stop. But researchers don’t think this affects a woman’s chances of getting pregnant after she recovers.

Does bulimia hurt a baby when the mother is pregnant?

If a woman with active bulimia gets pregnant, these problems may result:

* miscarriage
* high blood pressure in the mother
* baby isn’t born alive
* low birth weight
* low Apgar score, which are tests done after birth to make sure the baby is healthy
* during the delivery, they baby tries to come out with feet or buttocks first
* birth by C-section
* baby is born early
* depression after the baby is born

What should I do if I think someone I know has bulimia?

If you know someone with bulimia, you can help. Follow these steps from the National Eating Disorders Association:

1. Set a time to talk. Set aside a time to privately talk about your concerns with your friend. Be open and honest. Make sure you talk in a place away from distractions.
2. Tell your friend about your concerns. Tell your friend about specific times when you were worried about her eating or exercise behaviors. Explain that you think these things may show a problem that needs professional help.
3. Ask your friend talk about these concerns. She could talk to a counselor or doctor who knows about eating issues. If you feel comfortable, offer to help your friend make an appointment or go with her to her appointment.
4. Avoid conflicts or a battle of the wills with your friend. If your friend doesn’t admit to a problem, repeat your feelings and the reasons for them. Be a supportive listener.
5. Don’t place shame, blame, or guilton your friend. Do not use accusatory “you” statements like, “You just need to eat.” Or, “You are acting irresponsibly.” Instead, use “I” statements like, “I’m concerned about you because you refuse to eat breakfast or lunch.” Or, “It makes me afraid to hear you vomiting.”
6. Avoid giving simple solutions. Don’t say, “If you’d just stop, then everything would be fine!”
7. Express your continued support. Remind your friend that you care and want her to be healthy and happy.

Entry Filed under: eating disorders

Bulimia I Binge Eating Disorder