Bulimia is a serious eating disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a condition where a person binge eats and then purges to get rid of the food they have eaten. This disorder is often accompanied by feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety, and can have severe physical and emotional consequences.
Definitions
Bulimia, also known as bulimia nervosa, is a type of eating disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating followed by purging. Binge eating is defined as consuming a large amount of food in a short period of time, usually accompanied by a feeling of loss of control. Purging is the act of getting rid of the food by inducing vomiting, using laxatives or diuretics, or engaging in excessive exercise.
Origin
The word “bulimia” comes from the Greek words “boulē” meaning will or desire, and “mia” meaning to purge. The term was first used in the medical literature in the 1970s to describe a new type of eating disorder that was distinct from anorexia nervosa.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, bulimia is “an eating disorder characterized by episodic binge eating followed by feelings of shame, depression, and self-condemnation, and by purging to prevent weight gain.”
The Oxford English Dictionary defines bulimia as “an emotional disorder characterized by a distorted body image and an obsessive desire to lose weight, manifested in episodes of binge eating followed by purging.”
Associations
Bulimia is often associated with other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is also associated with low self-esteem, perfectionism, and a history of trauma or abuse.
Synonyms
Synonyms for bulimia include binge-purge syndrome, compulsive overeating, and eating disorder.
Antonyms
Antonyms for bulimia include healthy eating, balanced diet, and normal eating habits.
The same root words
The root words of bulimia are “boulē” meaning will or desire, and “mia” meaning to purge. Other words with the same roots include anorexia (meaning loss of appetite), dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and emesis (vomiting).
Example Sentences
- She was diagnosed with bulimia after years of struggling with her eating habits.
- Bulimia can have serious consequences on a person’s physical and emotional health.
- People with bulimia often feel ashamed and guilty about their binge eating and purging behaviors.
- She sought therapy to help her overcome her bulimia and develop healthy eating habits.
- Bulimia is a complex disorder that requires a comprehensive treatment plan.