Types of Bulimia or Binge Eating Disorder
Binge Eating DisorderBulimia is an eating disorder where individuals secretly consume large amounts of food and then use unhealthy methods due to a desire to control weight orfitnessand a severe fear ofweight gain.They try to compensate for it, but some of it cannot be compensated for.
People with binge eating disorder usually force themselves to vomit to clear what they have eaten. However, purging is not the only compensatory behavior. In some cases, individuals with binge eating disorder may never purge and instead turn to excessive exercise and fasting.
In the article“Signs That Indicate You Have Binge Eating Disorder”” in the previous health sectionof SelMagz.We explained the symptoms and complications of this type of binge eating, and in this section, we intend to examine the types of bulimia or binge eating disorder.
How many types of bulimia or binge eating disorder are there?
Individuals with bulimia are divided into two groups:
- Compensatory Binge Eating Disorder
- Non-compensatory Binge Eating Disorder
Generally, the diagnosis of binge eating disorder includes key criteria, which are:
- Eating large amounts of food in a short time
- Feeling a lack of control over food consumption
- Engaging in compensatory behaviors and forcing oneself to vomit
Both types of bulimia are serious eating disorders but may have different symptoms, signs, and consequences.
Compensatory Bulimia
Purging behaviors in binge eating disorder are common, with vomiting being the most common type. In this state, individuals regularly force themselves to vomit or use laxatives, diuretics, or enemas.
Typically, individuals with bulimia feel compelled to perform the above actions and feel relief afterward. The purging behavior can be very harmful to an individual’s health, and the consequences depend on how it’s performed.
These concerning consequences can include:
- Tooth decayand erosion of enamel
- Metabolic issues
- Capillary rupture from frequent vomiting
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Dehydration due to purging
- Acid reflux
These effects can be long-lasting and, in serious cases, may continue even after purging behaviors have stopped.
Non-compensatory Bulimia
Non-compensatory binge eating disorder is sometimes mistaken for or compared with binge eating disorder. However, what differentiates these disorders is that individuals with bulimia intend to compensate for their binge eating or engage in purging.
Individuals with non-compensatory bulimia use other behaviors like exercise or fasting to compensate for food intake. These behaviors are considered extreme and can disrupt the individual’s life. For instance, a person with bulimia who does not purge might overeat and then follow it with hours of exercise, fasting, or restrictive dieting.
Which type of bulimia is worse?
Both purging and non-purging methods have serious side effects that endanger health. The consequences of each can be different and may be severe and long-lasting.
In some ways, purging may present more immediate risks than non-purging. Those who purge may also experience higher levels of dissatisfaction with their appearance, increased symptoms ofanxietyanddepression.On the other hand, individuals with non-purging binge eating who exercise or fast; experience distress, guilt, and functional impairment.
Despite these differences, experts caution against deeming one type worse than the other, as both types of binge eating disorder are associated with short-term and long-term consequences, and those suffering from either type experience significant distress. Although symptoms and outcomes may vary depending on the type, both forms of bulimia should be taken seriously and treated accordingly.
Risks Associated with Bulimia
Although binge eating disorder has a lower risk than
anorexiait still poses significant health risks for individuals.Purging and non-purging behaviors can impact
mental health.Thoughts and feelings that lead to compensatory behaviors can damage an individual’s self-worth, and in many cases, individuals with binge eating disorder experience other mental health conditions. Additionally, eating disorders are linked to an increased risk ofsuicide.From a physical health perspective, chronic compensatory behaviors (whether including purging) can influence an individual’s disease risk. Both purging and non-purging behaviors may increase the risk of chronic illnesses that could require lifelong care or present a risk of death.Finding Treatment for Bulimia
Treatment approaches for any type of binge eating disorder may vary. First, addressing thoughts and feelings, body dissatisfaction, and fear of weight gain is important in all forms of binge eating, as well as any underlying mental health conditions.
Furthermore, as mentioned in SelMagz, treating binge eating disorder also includes strategies to prevent compensatory behaviors, address existing health issues due to binge eating, and establish a healthy relationship with food.
Some treatment options for binge eating can include a combination of:
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Interpersonal psychotherapy
- Self-help guidance
- Nutritive management
- *Finding treatment for either type of binge eating disorder can significantly improve the quality of life and greatly reduce the risk of long-term effects from compensatory behaviors.
- Binge Eating Disorder
Types of Binge Eating Disorder
