Bulimia nervosa pathophysiology

Bulimia is related to deep psychological issues and feelings of lack of control. They may feel a loss of control during a binge, and consume great quantities of food (over 20,000 calories). There are higher rates of eating disorders in groups involved in activities that emphasize thinness and body type, such as gymnastics, dance and cheerleading, figure skating.

• Bulimia is related to deep psychological issues and feelings of lack of control.
• Sufferers often use the destructive eating pattern to feel in control over their lives.^[1]
• They may hide or hoard food and overeat when stressed or upset.
• They may feel a loss of control during a binge, and consume great quantities of food (over 20,000 calories).^[2]

• There are higher rates of eating disorders in groups involved in activities that emphasize thinness and body type, such as gymnastics, dance and cheerleading, figure skating.^[3]
• Bulimia is more prevalent among Caucasians, but is increasing among African Americans and Hispanics.

• In one study, diagnosis of bulimia was correlated with high testosterone and low estrogen levels, and normalizing these levels with combined oral contraceptive pills reduced cravings for fat and sugar.^[4]