Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder where someone has a habit of eating large quantities of food which is then followed by a purging behavior, including induced vomiting or the misuse/abuse of diuretics and/or laxatives.
Non-purging bulimia, on the other hand, “is a different presentation of the same condition. Instead of using a method to remove the food from their body, a person will engage in another behavior meant to “compensate” for overeating. This may include excessive exercise or skipping meals.”
What is non-purging bulimia?
Non-purging bulimia is a type of bulimia where the normal purging behaviors of vomiting and diuretic or laxative abuse are not utilized to compensate for unhealthy binge eating. Instead, the compensatory behaviors look more like over-exercising, following strict diets or skipping meals to prevent additional calorie intake.
Additional signs of non-purging bulimia include:
- Binge eating episodes — Individuals with non-purging bulimia often consume large quantities of food within a short period, feeling a lack of control over their eating behavior;
- Preoccupation with body image — A distorted perception of body weight and shape is common, with individuals expressing intense dissatisfaction with their appearance;
- Emotional distress — Feelings of guilt, shame and anxiety often follow binge eating episodes, contributing to a cycle of negative emotions and compensatory behaviors;
- Weight fluctuations— While weight may not drastically change, there can be noticeable ups and downs due to cycles of bingeing and compensation;
- Physical effects— Potential physical signs include fatigue, muscle weakness and dehydration from excessive exercise or fasting.
Not everyone will display all these symptoms, but knowing what to look for can help loved ones notice patterns, as well as increase self-awareness in those struggling with bulimia.
What causes non-purging bulimia?
There is no one thing that causes non-purging bulimia as each person’s story and psychological triggers are different. But knowing the common causes are an important part to ensuring that the right treatment is received and proper understanding is given to those who are battling this disorder.
1. Genetics — Research suggests a hereditary component to eating disorders, indicating that individuals with a family history of such conditions may be more susceptible.
2. Psychological factors — Low self-esteem, perfectionism and a history of trauma or abuse can contribute to the development of eating disorders, including non-purging bulimia.
3. Pressure from society/social media — Cultural and societal ideals that hold thinness as the height of perfection and criticize weight gain play a significant role in the development of body dissatisfaction and disordered eating behaviors.
4. Chemical imbalances — Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which regulate mood and appetite, may also contribute to the development of non-purging bulimia. These imbalances can affect how individuals process rewards and regulate emotions, potentially leading to disordered eating patterns.
5. Dieting and restricting — Chronic dieting and food restriction can trigger binge eating episodes as a way that the body responds to prolonged periods of deprivation. This cycle of restriction and bingeing can lead to compensatory behaviors typical of non-purging bulimia.
6. Stress and coping mechanisms — Some individuals may use food as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, anxiety or other negative emotions. The temporary relief provided by binge eating can create a cycle of emotional eating and compensating actions to help them feel like they have control of bingeing behaviors.
Who does it affect?
While non-purging bulimia can affect anyone, certain groups may be at a higher risk, including:
1. Teens and young adults — Eating disorders often develop during adolescence or early adulthood because of the many stressful physical and emotional changes a person goes through.
2. Women — Although eating disorders can affect individuals of any gender, women are statistically more likely to develop bulimia, including its non-purging form.
3. Those with a family member(s) who has struggled — As with other eating disorders, those with a family history of bulimia or other mental health conditions may be at an increased risk.
4. Athletes — Particularly those in sports emphasizing weight or aesthetics (such as gymnastics, wrestling or ballet), may be more vulnerable to developing non-purging bulimia due to the pressure to maintain a certain body image or weight class.
5. Anyone battling co-occurring mental health disorders — Those with conditions like anxiety, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) may be more susceptible to developing non-purging bulimia as a means of coping with these conditions’s side effects.
6. Those who have suffered abuse or trauma — Experiencing trauma or abuse can increase the risk of developing disordered eating behaviors as a maladaptive coping mechanism.
Treatment for non-purging bulimia
For anyone who is struggling with non-purging bulimia, life can feel isolated and lonely, as they may try to keep the disorder and their behaviors a secret. But no one should feel forced to live this way, which is why recovery is so important.
At Seeds of Hope, we offer treatment programs that provide hope and recovery options. To learn more about how you can get started, call (610) 268-9245 or fill out an online contact form today.
