Anorexia and bulimia: which is and what is the difference

Anorexia and bulimia are eating, psychological and imaginary disorders in which people have a complicated relationship with food, which could lead to various health complications if not identified and treated at the same time.

In the case of anorexia, the person does not suffer the fear of gaining weight, even though this person is below the ideal weight, on the contrary, in bulimia, the person eats everything that goes down causing him to vomit, because he feels guilt and remorse for fear of gaining weight.

  • Although similar in some respects.
  • Anorexia and bulimia are different disorders that must be treated by a multidisciplinary team that includes nutritionists.
  • Psychologists and doctors.

To identify anorexia, in addition to thinness, attention should be made to the appearance of behaviors such as:

Anyone with this disease usually trys to hide the problem, so they will try to hide that they are not eating, sometimes pretending to eat or avoid family food or scenes with friends, for example.

In addition, in a more advanced state of disease, it can end up impacting the body and metabolism of the person, causing malnutrition and the appearance of signs and symptoms such as: lack of menstruation, narrowing, abdominal pain, difficulty tolerating cold, lack of energy and concentration, fatigue, bloating, and heart problems.

Unlike anorexia, in bulimia the person is usually at his ideal weight and has a slight excess weight, so it is necessary to be attentive to the appearance of behaviors such as:

Those with this disease always tend to try to disguise the problem, so it often starts hidden without being able to control the problem in most cases.

Also, due to the frequent use of laxatives and because it constantly stimulates vomiting, certain signs and symptoms may appear such as: dental problems, irregular menstruation, feeling weak, mares, frequent inflammation of the throat, abdominal pain and inflammation of the cheeks. if the salivary glands may be clogged or atrophyized. There may also be calls and scars on the hands, caused by constant vomiting with the fingers

In order to distinguish these diseases, it is necessary to focus on their main differences, since they can be easily confused, these are:

Stop eating and never eat

Continue eating, mainly in a compulsive and exaggerated way.

Severe weight loss

Slightly above-normal weight loss

Great distortion of the image of the body itself, seeing something that is not in line with reality.

This causes less distortion of body image, very similar to reality.

Several times in adolescence

As an adult, many times, around 20

It usually affects the most introverted characters

It usually affects the most outgoing people

He doesn’t see that he has a problem and believes his weight and behavior are normal

Their behavior causes shame, fear and guilt

Lack of sexual activity

There is sexual activity, which can still be reduced.

No menstruation

Very obsessive, depressive and anxious personality

It often exhibits excessive and exaggerated emotions, mood swings, fear of abandonment, and impulsive behaviors.

Anorexia and bulimia, such as eating disorders, always require specialized medical assistance, requiring therapy sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist to cure the disorder, as well as regular consultations with a nutritionist to check nutritional deficiencies and strengthen a healthier relationship with food.

In the most severe cases, the person may need to be hospitalized for treatment in a hospital or clinic specializing in eating disorders, this will allow medical follow-up 24 hours a day.

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