How common is bulimia?

posted July 29th, 2014 at 2:53 PM

I have been bulimic since college, and it has been a few years since I graduated now. It started off because I wanted to lose weight (even though I have never been close to being overweight or even chubby), but now it is more like an addictive habit. I'm actually better now than before, I went through a couple bad years where I've gotten extremely frail and couldn't keep anything in my body, but now I can eat as long as I watch myself strictly. However, I know it's still an issue since I still deal with it daily, but I don't know how to cleanly end it and move on with my life. It messes with my head sometime since I actually want to gain a few pounds now & be healthier, but my body itself has a hard time digesting food sometimes and I think it's also a mental issue sometimes as well. I believe I can one day move on from this illness completely, but when and how I do not know. A few people close to me has suspected and raised it up with me, but I either shut them down or said I am completely recovered. I don't want to be exposed but I also need to start thinking of making a solid change in my life in order to not drag this on.

7 Comments

Definitely get it resolved

Jul 29, 2014 at 4:43pm

There is a behavioural/psychological component to it. You may want to first meet with your family doctor and see where to go from there. There are lots of medical/dental problems which can arise from this. Good luck.

from the research

Jul 29, 2014 at 4:50pm

From what I hear, about 2% of Canadian women deal with an eating disorder like bulimia at some point in their lives. Interestingly, the psychological profile of bulimics is quite different from anorexics.

Good for you that you're turning things around and eating more now! There must be some kind of professional who can help. It's hard to do it alone! Good luck to you!

2% Percent?

Jul 29, 2014 at 5:37pm

A hell of a lot more than 2% of women deal with an eating disorder at some point in their lives. I think from what I've seen, it's closer to 25%. Where did you goet the 2% figure from? Maybe that's the number of women who actually have to seek treatment for it.

Me

Jul 29, 2014 at 6:17pm

I had bulimia and eating disorders when I was in my teens and twenties.
I was lucky enough to have a moment of grace that allowed me to see perfection and beauty in all body types.
If you are doing this for body issues and not out of trauma, maybe think about where you are getting these warped standards from and try to avoid them. Tv, magazines etc.

from a former bulimic

Jul 29, 2014 at 6:59pm

you will stop when you learn to love yourself, no matter what your body looks like. you will stop when you learn to love your body because it is a part of you. Don't worry about being overweight...you probably never will be. This disease is mind over body. Fight it and win.

Time to get help

Jul 29, 2014 at 8:09pm

Now

I like big butts

Aug 24, 2014 at 9:24pm

Bulimia isn't that common anymore. Guys prefer girls with bulky, curvy athletic bodies. Smooth girl and similar types of magazines make huge money. Take a look around, the girl with the big thighs and big ass always has a guy beside her. Since Jlo, Beyonce, Kim Kardasian and big butt youtube girls with a million and one hits came around, eating disorders have declined.

So if your at McDonalds ordering and they ask you, "would you like fries with that?"

Say yes.