Anorexia vs. Bulimia. They’re often brought up in similar conversations. Anorexia and bulimia are both eating disorders. They can have similar symptoms, such as distorted body image and excessive concern about weight. However, although they share some similarities, they’re characterized by different food-related behaviors.
For example, anorexia is characterized by engaging in restrictive behaviors, which includes behaviors aimed at severely reducing their food intake in order to lose weight. On the other hand, bulimia is characterized by compensatory behaviors, which include purging or use of laxatives to compensate for eating an excessive amount of food in a short period of time.
Anorexia symptoms can also include:
- severe weight loss
- insomnia
- dehydration
- dry, yellowish skin
- inability to tolerate cold
- amenorrhea, or absence of menstruation
- thinning and breaking hair
Bulimia symptoms can also include:
- weight that increases and decreases in significant amounts, between 5 and 20 pounds in a week
- chapped or cracked lips due to dehydration
- bloodshot eyes, or eyes with busted blood vessels
- calluses, sores, or scars on the knuckles from inducing vomiting
- mouth sensitivity, likely due to eroding tooth enamel and receding gums
- swollen lymph nodes
Anorexia and bulimia are the most common clinically recognized eating disorders. Now that you know the difference in anorexia vs. bulimia, you can begin to make a difference. In addition to the unhealthy eating habits that accompany both conditions, eating disorders often include difficulty managing emotions, distorted body image, and issues surrounding control. Eating disorders often lead to significant health issues when they go untreated, and can even be fatal. If you know anyone who may be suffering from these disorders, or if you think you might be, contact a professional for help.
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