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Mostly Cloudy Battling bulimia by Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski — Your Health 2-13-09
Issue of Feb. 13, 2009 / 19 Shevat 5769
A fairly common condition that is often overlooked is bulimia. Bulimia is an eating disorder more common in young women than in men. It is estimated that as many as 20 percent of teenage girls may be bulimic, but cleverly conceal the problem so that even their parents are unaware of it.
Bulimia is characterized by episodes of secretive excessive eating (bingeing) followed by inappropriate methods of weight loss, such as self-induced vomiting (purging), abuse of laxatives and diuretics, starvation or excessive exercise. The cycle of overeating and purging can quickly become an obsession similar to addiction to alcohol or drugs. In fact, some bulimics go on to alcohol or drug abuse. In contrast to anorexia, in which there is an obvious weight loss, bulimics may maintain normal weight.
The secrecy of bulimia is due to the shame that bulimics attach to the disorder. “If my parents found out, they would think I’m crazy.” In addition, the bulimic is afraid that her parents will force her to discontinue the weight-losing tactics, and that she will then become fat. Bulimics are obsessed by their body image.
Binge eating is not due to intense hunger. Rather, it is an attempt to deal with feelings of depression, anxiety or stress. Binge eating, like a drug, can produce a temporary feeling of calmness (euphoria), which is soon replaced by self-loathing that may result in depression.
The bulimic’s mind may be so preoccupied with bingeing-purging that they may do poorly in school and in social relationships. When they reach shidduch age, they dread that their condition will be exposed in marriage.
As noted, bulimics keep their behavior well-concealed and parents may not suspect that there is anything wrong. It is, therefore, imperative that parents of young girls become aware of eating disorders and let their children know that they are aware that such conditions exist. They should assure their children that they are open to discussion of any problem, will not be judgmental, and will get the children the help they need. Early identification is crucial, because the longer the condition exists, the more deeply imbedded it becomes.
If parents become aware of an eating disorder, they should contact their doctor for referral to a competent specialist on these conditions. Helpful information can be found on eating disorder web sites.
Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski is medical director emeritus of Pittsburgh’s Gateway Rehabilitation Center for treatment of alcohol and drug addiction, which he founded in 1972. He is the author of more than 50 books on addiction, self-esteem and spirituality, including four in collaboration with Charles Schulz, creator of the “Peanuts” cartoon strip. Dr. Twerski’s latest book, “The Sun Will Shine Again — coping, persevering and winning in troubled economic times,” was released on Tuesday by Shaar Press. Dr. Twerski lives in Teaneck, N.J.
