Bulimia and anorexia are eating disorders that involve a distorted self-image and destroy people’s lives. Because of that, many people wonder which is worse between bulimia vs anorexia. No matter the answer, it’s important that people get help from the best bulimia treatment center or anorexia treatment facility. Learning more about these conditions can help them determine which treatment they need.
About Bulimia Nervosa
When people struggle with bulimia, they purge or overcompensate for the food that they binge eat. Purging often refers to vomiting, but some people use laxatives, diuretics, and other drugs to flush out the food. When they overcompensate for a binge, they exercise too long or too intensely.
This cycle dominates their lives. As a result, it has many negative effects on their health, emotional state, and relationships. Even when they see the negative impact, they continue the cycle because they fear weight gain. For example, they might notice damage to their teeth, throat, and vocal cords from regular vomiting.
However, people suffering from bulimia are usually of a stable, normal weight. For that reason, it can be hard for others to notice the signs of the disorder. If they learn the symptoms, they could persuade loved ones to visit a men’s or womens eating disorder treatment center. Getting help soon enough can prevent life-threatening damage to the stomach, intestines, kidneys, and heart.
About Anorexia Nervosa
One big difference between bulimia vs anorexia is that anorexia involves restricted eating rather than bingeing. Even when people with this disorder eat, they may take laxatives or exercise too much to eliminate the calories. Since their goal is to weigh as little as possible, they avoid fattening foods, too.
People with anorexia also think that they must lose weight, even when others think that they should gain weight. Because of their distorted body image, they challenge those who suggest putting on pounds.
This way of thinking continues, even though they know that their eating habits are harmful. Similar to bulimia, for instance, vomiting damages their teeth. Along with causing heart and kidney damage, anorexia can damage the liver and reproductive organs. Physical weakness, loss of muscle strength, and osteoporosis are also common.
Bulimia vs Anorexia
Based on each disorder’s side effects, it’s difficult to say that one is worse than the other. In both cases, they can have devastating consequences. Because of that, the severity of bulimia in one person could be worse than that of anorexia in another. The inverse can also be true.
However, some people might argue that anorexia is worse due to its fatality rates. In fact, the National Eating Disorders Association says that more people die from this disorder than any other mental illness. About 10% of those with anorexia die and 20% of those deaths are the result of suicide. The main problem is that not everyone seeks help from an eating disorder treatment center.
Get Eating Disorder Treatment Today
Do you suffer from anorexia, bulimia, or some other eating disorder? Help is available and may include services such as:
- Medication management
- Residential treatment program
- Outpatient treatment program
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Nutrition therapy
Don’t let your eating disorder cause any more damage to your life. Learn more about the differences between bulimia vs anorexia. Find the level of care that you need at a quality treatment center now.
