Did you see that programme on daytime TV where a reallly overweight person is matched with a really skinny person and then they swap diets? The sight of those two extremes facing each other was quite confronting. It was interesting to find out how the attractive thin person with a ” to die for figure” was actually causing harm to her joints and other organs because she avoided the carbs in an effort to stay model thin.
Most females are treated for extreme disturbances in their eating behaviours, but males can also experience the same. Eating binges involve large consumption of calorie rich foods during which one feels a loss of personal control and self- disgust.
When that happens there may be an attempt to compensate and avoid weight gain by self-induced vomiting and/or misuse of laxatives. Beware, as this does not reduce fat content but eliminates vital trace elements and dehydrates the body. Perhaps there is also a compulsive exercise regime in place, so much so that the focus on controlling one’s weight dominates one’s whole life.
This is a bulimic condition and people usually experience lethargy, depression and clouded thinking. Severe bulimia is likely to cause erosion of dental enamel from vomiting, swollen salivary glands, chronic sore throat and intestinal and stomach problems.
The psychological effects include deceptive behaviours related to food, loneliness and fear of the disapproval of others if the illness becomes known. Also mood swings are a common effect, with changes in personality, emotional outbursts and depression.
It really important to respond to these early warning signs and getting professional treatment is essential. Recovery may take many months but the majority of people do recover. A diagnosis by a medical practitioner is the first step then treatment may include dietary education, psychological intervention to help change their thoughts, an antidepressant medication to reduce the feelings of depression and some interpersonal therapies to help people to understand the effect of their relationships on their emotions and eating behaviour.
Counseling can help to make those fearful first steps to recovery easier. For people suffering from Bulimia in the Northern Beaches psychologists are readily available.
It is possible to access outpatient treatment in many cases. The family and friends of people with eating disorders can often feel confused and distressed. Support and education are most helpful.
Counselling and psychology services are provided on Sydney’s North Shore and Northern Beaches in Neutral Bay, Manly and Mona Vale.
