Premium Essay

Bulimia Nervosa Research Paper

Submitted By
Words 2169
Pages 9
With the ever-growing dissatisfaction and preoccupation with one’s weight, why is it that only certain individuals develop an eating disorder? Socio-cultural influences have traditionally been thought of as the leading cause of disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, this explanation alone doesn’t seem sufficient. We are all exposed to the same “thin is in” messaging and to live in a westernized society more or less means residing in a virtually inescapable landscape that pushes thinness as a valuable possession. Yet, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa affect only an estimated 0.3 to 0.7 percent, and 1.7 to 2.5 percent, respectively, of females in the general population (Berrettini, 2004). Through my research, which …show more content…
Recurrent episodes of binge eating. 2. Recurrent inappropriate compensatory behavior in order to prevent weight gain. 3. Symptoms continuing, on average, at least once a week for three months. 4. Self-evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight. 5. The disturbance does not occur exclusively during episodes of anorexia nervosa (Comer, 2013).
An episode of binge eating occurs when the person eats a larger amount of food than most people would eat during a similar time span, often two hours, and feels a lack of control over what or how much one is consuming. Such episodes may entail eating much more rapidly than normal, eating until uncomfortably full, eating alone due to embarrassment, eating when they may not be hungry and having a sense of gilt after. The recurrent compensatory behaviors of one suffering from bulimia nervosa may include forcing themselves to vomit; misusing laxatives, diuretics, or enemas; fasting; or exercising excessively. People with bulimia nervosa may have between 1 and 30 binge episodes per week and these episodes are preceded by great tension followed by negative feelings of extreme self-blame, shame and depression, in addition to fears of gaining weight and being discovered (Comer,

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Bulimia Nervosa Research Paper

...Bulimia nervosa, more commonly known as the binge and purge disorder, it’s a deadly mental disorder that affects 1 in 4 college aged women. This disease affects both the mind and body, and eventually does severe damage to both. The fear of gaining weight and the need to have a perfect body has led many down the self-destructive pathway of bulimia. This is a secretive eating disorder characterized by frequent episodes of excessive eating, followed by self-induced vomiting to rid the body of food. Bulimics also frequently use laxatives, diuretics, and diet pills to lose weight. Unlike people with anorexia nervosa, you cannot easily identify people with bulimia based on their weight and public eating behavior. A lot of times body weights are somewhere in...

Words: 990 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Bulimia Nervosa Research Paper

...Surge of Intense Fear What is anorexia nervosa? being more than 15% under weight, and obsessing to stay that way What is three symptoms of panic disorder? Shaking, sweating, and dizziness. What is Anorexia? Not eating due to thinking they are fat when they are not. 13. What is Bulimia Nervosa? When people are depressed and seek food as comfort (Binge eating), or purging (throwing up) What are more symptoms of panic disorder? Chills and fear of losing and losing control of your mind 15. What are even more symptoms of panic disorder? Fear of dying and feelings of choking What is the percentage of weight lost in anorexic women? 15% 17. What are other symptoms of anorexia? Self evaluation is unduly influenced by body shape and weight. What is the disorder that makes you 15% under your body weight? Anorexia 19. What is the fear of becoming fat? Eating disorders What is the length of time people eat when in depression...

Words: 649 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Bulimia Nervosa Research Paper

...Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia Nervosa is a life threatening eating disorder. People with Bulimia Nervosa tend to eat large portions of food but later on they get rid of the food through an unhealthy way. They usually get rid of the food by vomiting or excessive exercise. Some people even purge after just eating a snack or a normal size meal. Bulimia can be categorized in two ways. Purging bulimia which means, the person regularity vomits or misuses laxatives, diuretics or enemas after bingeing. There is also non-purging which involves methods to decrease the calories for example the person can get into a strict diet or also they can exercise excessively. Signs of this disorder can be, always having to worry about your body's shape and weight. Living in fear of gaining weight, feeling that...

Words: 670 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Can Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa Be Considered as Biological and Mental Predispositions or Rather as Consequences of Factors in Society?

...Abstract The main purpose of this extended project dissertation is as following: to explore the causes of eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, in particular the biological, psychological and societal causes. Eating disorders are becoming increasingly common in today’s society and the causes of theses disorders are not completely known. This essay explores the symptoms of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, the risks and consequences of suffering from such disorders. The essay also concentrates upon how eating disorders are gradually affecting more and more men and children – something that was not often seen before. The main focus of this project is to discover whether the causes of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa stem from pre-dispositions which are linked with the body and mind or rather stemmed from society. The main biological reasons which the essay focuses on are; damaged hypothalamuses and genetic hereditariness. The main environmental causes of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa that I have studied are media influences and undesirable conditions for raising children. In writing this project I believe that I have developed valuable skills that I will need in my subjects which include; being able to extract key information from large pieces of text, researching, speedy note taking and the ability to weigh up two sides of an argument fairly and without bias. I am also aware that the skills I am developing while writing this dissertation...

Words: 4913 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

Effects on Exercises on Obese Women with Anorexia

...The Effects of Exercise in Obese Women with Bulimia Nervosa Eating disorder and Obesity characterized by frequent episodes of binge eating are also part of a range of weight related problems. Life is a constant battle between the desires to lose weight. The dissatisfaction and unhealthy dieting practices are linked to the development of eating disorders, obesity and other problems. Obesity is the number one problem for those who are in a constant battle; many obese people who lose large amounts of weight and gain it back think it is their fault. They blame themselves for not having the will power to keep the weight off. Many people regain more weight than they lost because they become obsessed with food. A person who suffers from obesity follows an unhealthy diet, and has an eating disorder all at the same time, and that is how they eventually end up with Bulimia. This illness which is when the person binges on food or has regular episodes of over eating and feels out of control. The person then uses different method such as vomiting or abusing laxatives to prevent weight gain. The case study that I am going to be researching and writing a paper on is Bulimia nervosa and how it can be extremely harmful for the body. The study focuses on how physical exercise can help overweight patients with bulimia. Also whether it is beneficial or if it is not beneficial for those who suffer from it. This case also demonstrated what physical exercise can do to them in six weeks which is...

Words: 695 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Bulimia Nervosa

...Bulimia Nervosa Psychology 101 Abstract This research paper will deliver information about bulimia. It will provide and support people who have bulimia. It will analyze the causes and effects of this disorder. There will be a verification of treatments for bulimic disorder. This research will pinpoint anyone who shows symptoms of bulimia. It will clarify how it is essential for family members and friends to provide assistance when needed to restrain bulimia. The study will give guidance on the available treatments offered to the public. It will provide the symptoms a person might encounter that have bulimia. It will consist of the danger that could accelerate the chances of developing bulimia. The data given will help the researchers to pass it on a clinical psychologist that will decide if the person shows up positive with bulimia. Bulimia Nervosa Bulimia nervosa can be defined as an eating disorder described by constant binge eating and consuming a lot of calories immediately followed by vomiting or purging. People with bulimia are difficult to be recognized because the eating and purging is done in private. Also, they can maintain a normal healthy weight, so it is not noticeable at first glance. A bulimic can take in an excessive amounts of food within a short period of time. The person loses control and it is estimated that about 3,400 calories was consumed roughly over an hour and to make matters worse about 20,000 calories can be eaten by in eight hours. (Psychology...

Words: 1401 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Eating Disorders

...supposed to have washboard abs? No, and if this were true, that is how we all would have been created. According to the NEDA website (2014) “everyone is different, and that is what makes people interesting, if everyone were the same then we would have no individuality." It is important that the message of being your own person, to embrace your individualism and love who you are gets to young adults and teenagers. When the message does not get across there are serious consequences such as the development of eating disorders. This paper will review the types of eating disorders, history of the disorders, how they may be diagnosed, signs and symptoms and possible treatment options. EATING DISORDERS 3 “Eating disorders are psychological problems marked by an obsession with food and weight. There are four general categories of eating disorders these are; Anorexia nervosa, Binge eating, Bulimia nervosa and a category called (EDNOS) eating disorders not otherwise specified” (Eating disorders - In Depth Report - QualityHealth. (n.d.). These eating disorders affect individuals of various age groups, and it has become more popular among teenagers these days. Eating disorders often develop during the onset of puberty in which a person will begin to starve themselves thinking they are overweight, even though they are not. They remain under this illusion; as a result, of being cautious...

Words: 2140 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Bulima

...Abstract Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder which is associated with several adolescent and young adult. This disorder is usually associated with female adolescents, and it is very difficult for an individual to notice that an adolescent has bulimia nervosa. Many adolescents are suffering from bulimia because of poor perception them about themselves, and the media also has great influence for the cause of bulimia. There is a high increase for adolescents who are suffering from bulimia and majority seek help whiles others battle with this disorder without being notice. There are several options for treatment but parent and family has a great influence in treatment for an adolescent with this disorder. The Christian has a little influence on bulimia nervosa and eating disorder among adolescents, because they are more focused on teenager’s alcohol and drugs. Topic Paper: Adolescence and Bulimia Nervosa Most adolescent believe in having good body image. For the adolescent a good image is being skinny, and having size two body types as seem on television. Body image is the subjective concept of an adolescent physical appearance based on their self-observation and their reaction with others. Adolescence perception about their self is based on their inner sensations and functioning as well as their function derived from external environment. Since most adolescents want to have the perfect body type, they will do anything to have the right body image. Most teenagers role...

Words: 1819 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Eatign Disorders

...to affect a large number of people. The disorder does not discriminate against gender, age group, or socioeconomic status although it’s more common in the female gender. The three most common types of this psychological disorder include Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge eating. Anorexia is found in a person who refuses to eat or eats a minimal amount to cause severe weight loss. Bulimia involves a person who consumes a large amount of food and then seeks to purge himself of the caloric intake. Most commonly this is accomplished by vomiting. The third type, binge eating, is similar to bulimia accept in this particular case there is no attempt by the individual to compensate for the caloric intake. In the following research paper the causes, clinical findings, and treatment of each of these disorders will be discussed to determine how each varies from one another. Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder that is caused by self-induced starvation resulting in severe weight loss. It is considered a psychological disorder because it primarily affects healthy young individuals, mostly commonly young women, who have developed an obsession with becoming thin. It is estimated that 0.5 to 3.7 percent of females suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime (Stunkard, J. A., & Wilson, T., 2008.) The exact cause is not known, but attitudes towards physical appearance and family issues effect its development. Feasting on large amounts of food and then vomiting or use of laxatives...

Words: 3656 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Causes of Eating Disorders

...individuals that suffer from eating disorders, the majority start developing eating disorders in their teenage years. Binge eating, which is an eating disorder where in which an individual uncontrollably eats, is the more prevalent eating disorder among many age groups in Canada. Furthermore, the latest studies have shown that in Canada, the two most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Among young people in Canada today, 0.04% of females are diagnosed with the complete definition of anorexia nervosa, while young males are 0%. Bulimia nervosa on the other hand is common among 0.3% of young women and 0.2% on young men. Anorexia nervosa in the simplest terms is a condition in which a person is unwilling to maintain a healthy body weight. Likewise, bulimia nervosa is a condition in which an individual uncontrollably over eats in one session, then tries to balance this action of over-eating by getting rid of it through various ways (usually vomiting). Unlike bulimia nervosa, people who suffer from anorexia nervosa usually have more control over eating; sufferers from bulimia nervosa have very little to no control over how much they eat. In both cases, ninety percent of the individuals that suffer from these two eating disorders are predominately women. Individuals who suffer from eating disorders typically have the same view on body image; many have low self-esteem and...

Words: 1772 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Eating Disorders

...to affect a large number of people. The disorder does not discriminate against gender, age group, or socioeconomic status although it’s more common in the female gender. The three most common types of this psychological disorder include Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge eating. Anorexia is found in a person who refuses to eat or eats a minimal amount to cause severe weight loss. Bulimia involves a person who consumes a large amount of food and then seeks to purge himself of the caloric intake. Most commonly this is accomplished by vomiting. The third type, binge eating, is similar to bulimia accept in this particular case there is no attempt by the individual to compensate for the caloric intake. In the following research paper the causes, clinical findings, and treatment of each of these disorders will be discussed to determine how each varies from one another. Anorexia nervosa is a psychological disorder that is caused by self-induced starvation resulting in severe weight loss. It is considered a psychological disorder because it primarily affects healthy young individuals, mostly commonly young women, who have developed an obsession with becoming thin. It is estimated that 0.5 to 3.7 percent of females suffer from anorexia nervosa in their lifetime (Stunkard, J. A., & Wilson, T., 2008.) The exact cause is not known, but attitudes towards physical appearance and family issues effect its development. Feasting on large amounts of food and then vomiting or use of laxatives are...

Words: 604 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Eating Disorder

...identify the major causes of eating disorders in the U.S. Moreover, this paper investigates the prevalence of eating disorders. The major factors associated with eating disorder are; Impairment, suicidal tendencies and mental disorders among others. The participants were adolescents selected randomly in the U.S. Face to face interviews were used to obtain information form 10123 adolescents between the ages of 13-18 years. Moreover, parents were asked to fill in questionnaires. The parents were required to give information on the adolescents’ mental health of their children. The method of study used is descriptive. It involves taking a group of adolescents and testing a hypothesis. The paper seeks to establish the major causes of eating disorders among adolescents in the U.S. Results from the research that lifetime prevalence of anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder were 0.3%, 0.9% and 1.6% respectively. On the other hand, only a minority of adolescents with eating disorders received treatment. The major limitation of this study was, biased information because some students may not recall previous eating disorder symptoms due to mental illness. The objective of the article was to analyze adolescent development among the adolescent eating disorder patents. the types of eating disorder being analyzed in the study where Anorexia Nervosa abbreviated as AN and Bulimia Nervosa abbreviated as BN. the research was also set to analyze the similarities and differences of the two types...

Words: 960 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Eating Disorders

...The Gender Differences in Eating Disorders: An Analysis Abstract This paper will provide a critical analysis of the issue of eating disorders in the two genders. It has provided a history of the eating disorders, and how they came to be known. Furthermore, the paper has focused on the issue of eating disorders through an analysis of a number of studies. The studies have focused on providing vital information regarding what influences the different genders to have eating disorders. The females are most likely to suffer from anorexia nervosa, while the males suffer from bulimia. A brief summary of all the key points has also been provided. Thereafter, some important recommendations regarding research in some key areas involving eating disorders has been provided as well. Keywords: Anorexia, Bulimia, Females, Males, Study, Eating Disorders, Gender, Media Introduction Eating disorders have now become part of the current culture people live in. In fact, the eating disorders tend to affect different people regardless of their genders and socioeconomic classes. There is even an overall prevalence that is estimated to be about five percent among the population. Many people have a desire to become thin since it is an issue that is always being highlighted by the media. Some of the popular sources of media that influence individuals to become thin include movies, television shows, and magazines, among others. It is such a pity that the prevailing culture, and specifically the...

Words: 3465 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Case Study Eating Disorders

...University. As a child she was a cheerleader for her neighborhood team, she started cheering at the age of 5. When Ellesa entered high school she was 135lbs and 5’4, the varsity team cheerleaders picked on her and gave her the pet name Ms. Piglet. Ellesa did not know how to deal with this as it was silently eating her inside, and depression was starting to take effect. At the tender age of thirteen Ellesa started to over eat and learned how to make herself vomit after, she no longer felt comfortable wearing shorts or even fitted clothing on a hold she wore extra-large clothing to cover her body. Ellesa was suffering from Bulimia Nervosa an eating disorder. Although she had lost weight and was 35lbs lighter (underweight by now), she still thought she was overweight, she could not stop herself from binge eating as she believed she would gain back the weight. Bulimia Nervosa...

Words: 1327 - Pages: 6

Free Essay

Site Visit Report

...Doyle are both co-directors and licensed psychologists. Co-authoring many articles and book chapters, Dr. Angela Doyle also presents her work at national and international conferences. Dr. Peter Doyle authored and pre-authored numerous articles and book chapters in peer-reviewed journals and delivers invited speaks of eating disorders at notional and international conferences. Angela Davis earned a Ph.D. in clinical psychology worked at Harborview Medical Center on a study evaluating cognitive behavior therapy for over-weight and obese adults with binge eating disorders. She has also received extensive training in the latest version of cognitive-behavior therapy for eating disorder. Dr. Davis has authored and co-authored book chapters and research articles and journals. She has presented her work at national and international conferences. She is also an active member of the Academy for eating disorder, and the Association for Behavioral and cognitive therapies. Alison Leary received her Ph.D. in Child Clinical Psychology and has extensive experience...

Words: 1498 - Pages: 6