How to Tell Anorexia and Bulimia Apart

Eating disorders are mental illnesses that develop in persons who have a problematic connection with eating. They may experience excessive guilt when eating, fear of gaining weight, and an unrealistic body image. Bulimia and anorexia are complicated diseases with several causes and manifestations. Individuals with these illnesses may begin dieting with a desire to be slim and attractive, but they are unable to quit. Knowing the distinctions between anorexia and bulimia allows you and your loved ones to understand better and manage the disease.

There are essential differences between anorexia and bulimia, and it is possible for a person to have both at the same time. Here's how to tell them apart! Click To Tweet

ANOREXIA

People with anorexia often see themselves as fat, and to fix this, they often starve themselves until they are an abnormally low weight. Calorie restriction frequently results in progressively limited dietary options, reduced portion sizes, and missing meals.

In addition, guilt about eating can lead to purging by exercise, vomiting, or medicines such as laxatives. As a result, malnutrition can develop, posing a threat to average growth and development.

Behavior and Symptoms of Anorexia

Excessive weight loss, which causes a thin look, is accompanied by abnormal blood levels.

Fatigue, insomnia, dizziness, fingers have a bluish discoloration, and constipation are frequent symptoms, as well as yellowish skin, irregular heartbeats, low blood pressure, and dehydration. Furthermore, female patients often don’t menstruate.

WHAT IS BULIMIA?

Bulimia is an eating disorder in which a person consumes a large amount of food (binges) and then attempts to undo the consequences of the binge in some way.

Binges generally stop when a distraction or stomach ensure or they happen to run out of food to eat. They vomit or use other methods to remove the food from their bodies to relieve their guilt and dread. They may also resort to excessive activity or stringent dietary restrictions.

Symptoms and Behavior of Bulimia

Weight fluctuations, split lips owing to dehydration, bloodshot eyes, or eyes with burst blood vessels callouses are common symptoms of bulimia. Other results of the condition include sores on the knuckles from inducing vomiting, mouth sensitivity, swollen lymph nodes, and damage to critical organs such as the liver and kidneys. 

CAUSES OF EATING DISORDERS

Genetics

This explains why having a family member with an eating issue may increase your chances of developing one. This might be due to a hereditary predisposition for characteristics linked with eating disorders, such as perfectionism.

Emotional health

People who have suffered trauma or suffer from mental illnesses such as anxiety or depression are more prone to develop an eating problem. Stress and low self-esteem may also play a role in these behaviors.

Pressures from Society

The contemporary Western ideal of body image, self-worth, and success as linked with thinness might trigger the urge to acquire this body type.

TREATMENTS FOR EATING DISORDERS

The sooner the disorder is identified, the better the chances of recovery.

Many factors influence treatment. These factors include the individual’s willingness to change, family support, and the stage of the eating problem.

Medical Attention

The medical team will assist a person in regaining a healthy body weight during the treatment of anorexia. This return to weight is critical to a full recovery. If a person refuses to eat, they may need to be hospitalized for nutrition.

For bulimia, treatment of medical complications such as electrolyte imbalance or severe dehydration, to break the cycle of bingeing and purging are administered by first admitting the patient.

Family Therapy and Counseling

Such disorders can cause significant health concerns and even death if not treated. However, with therapy, a person can recover and live a healthy life.

Family therapy assists family members in understanding the problem and encourages families to use appropriate healing strategies. In addition, nutrition counseling helps patients and families in resuming good eating habits.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These disorders have the potential to be fatal. People suffering from an eating disorder have a potentially life-threatening medical condition.

Anyone who suspects they may have an eating disorder should consult a doctor or therapist. If a person believes that someone has an eating disorder, it is critical to urge them to get assistance without blaming or condemning them.

Do you know anyone that suffers from anorexia or bulimia?