Did you know 10,000 die each year from different types of eating disorders? These people often spend years and years in therapy and are fighting against this mental illness their entire lives. Similar statistics are given for Bulimia.
But what are the main differences between Anorexia vs Bulimia?
We’re going to answer that question right now. Read on to find out more!
In this article
Eating Behaviors
Anorexia and bulimia are two distinct eating disorders that are characterized by extreme preoccupation with weight and food. Both involve disturbed eating behaviors and share many common features.
Anorexia
It is characterized by an obsession with calorie counting and extreme, restrictive dieting. People with anorexia will often refuse to eat in an attempt to control their caloric intake.
Bulimia
This involves cycles of binge eating and then purging. People with bulimia experience a lack of control around food and often turn to forced vomiting as a way of relieving the guilt associated with overeating.
Both of these eating disorders can have severe medical and psychological consequences, so treatment is of utmost importance. It’s important to remember that eating disorders are complex mental illnesses, and no two people’s experiences will be the same.
To learn more about eating disorders, be sure to check out this link!
Body Weight
Anorexia and bulimia are both disorders in which an individual has a distorted belief about their body weight. With anorexia, people are typically overly concerned with their weight and body shape. This often results in becoming dangerously underweight.
With bulimia, people experience episodes of binge eating followed by purging to rid of the food they consumed. People with anorexia, in comparison to those with bulimia, tend to be more focused on maintaining excessively low body weights and will do whatever it takes to achieve this.
Methods of Purging
Anorexia involves a restriction of food, where a person will severely limit their nutrient intake and avoid eating altogether. This is in a quest to achieve an abnormally low weight.
Bulimia involves extreme overeating followed by inappropriate methods of purging. These methods include induced vomiting, fasting, misuse of laxatives and other such medications, and excessive exercise to achieve extreme weight loss.
Treatment Approach
The treatment approach for anorexia vs bulimia can be similar. Treatment includes a combination of the following:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Family-based therapy
- Nutritional counseling
Anorexia Nervosa
The primary goal of treatment for anorexia is to restore healthy weight. They address malnutrition effects. Medications may also be used to treat symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Bulimia Nervosa
The treatment approach for bulimia needs to focus on both the “binge-purge-repeat” cycle. It also includes psychological and environmental issues. Any aspect that contributes to the disorder.
Learn About Anorexia vs Bulimia Today
The differences between Anorexia and Bulimia are pronounced and dependent on the individual. Regardless, both conditions are serious and act as a call for help.
If you or someone you know has concerns about either Anorexia or Bulimia, seek professional help. It’s the only way to properly diagnose and begin treatment.
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