We spoke to nutritionist Bárbara Oliveira about bulimia, an eating and nervous system disorder like anorexia, of which we talked about in a previous article.
The first fact that called our attention after talking to Dr. Bárbara is that, usually, people with bulimia also have anorexia. These patients have behaviour compensations, with the objective of sliming: “eating and throwing up after, eating and exercising, eating and taking laxatives” are the most frequent. Nevertheless, these kinds of behaviours are the origin of several health problem and should be addressed when the illness is discovered.
The path of the bulimic is, usually, progressive. In the beginning they have low energy levels but, as time goes by, throwing up can cause the teeth enamel to be damaged. This happens due to the extensive contact of the patient with stomach acids, from throwing up. Over time, these disorders lead to infections and serious health problems, which, in extreme cases, can be a cause of death.
Even so, these patients are “very conscious of their situation and want to get better”, Dr. Bárbara Oliveira told us. It’s the first step to be cured, despite all the difficulties carried by health issues which combine, psychological, behavioural and eating disorders. It is, therefore, vital to provide visibility for this disease, so that these patients are aware of their issues and open to being treated and accompanied.
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