How Does Anorexia Differ From Bulimia?

It’s almost always a good thing that general awareness of disordered eating has exponentially grown. What was once hidden in the shadows is now quite often an open topic of discussion across all platforms. Such knowledge can literally save lives. But the willingness to learn cannot have limits. For example, the term “eating disorders” covers a lot of ground.
Approximately one million Canadians have been diagnosed with an eating disorder. Anorexia and bulimia are the two most discussed and common eating disorders. However, they are often lumped together as if interchangeable. Thus, it can be beneficial to take some time to clarify the important differences.

What is Anorexia?

Officially named Anorexia Nervosa, this disorder involves a self-destructive obsession over losing weight. A person with anorexia will often be demonstrably underweight and carry a distorted perception of their body. Weight-loss tactics may include purging and taking laxatives or diet aids.

Common Symptoms of Anorexia

Besides the extreme weight loss, anorexia may present physical and emotional symptoms such as:
– Thinning, brittle hair

– Dry skin, often displaying a yellowish tone

– Insomnia

– Low tolerance for cold

– Dizziness

– Fatigue

– Dehydration

– Irregular heartbeat

– Constipation

– Absence of menstruation

– Moodiness

– Anxiety

– Low self-esteem

– Poor body image

– Depression
In addition, behavioral signs could involve not wanting to be seen eating, skipping meals, extreme exercising, and more. Please note that atypical anorexia is a version of the disorder in which all of the above holds except that the person is not underweight.

What is Bulimia?

The hallmark of Bulimia Nervosa is a cycle of binging and purging. A person with bulimia, like someone with anorexia, will fixate on weight loss, calories, body image, and body shape. But, instead of restricting consumption, they secretly binge and resort to using unhealthy methods of purging themselves of all the calories. The purging tactics could range from self-induced vomiting to extreme fasting.

Common Symptoms of Bulimia

Most dramatic are the major changes in weight (gain and loss) over the course of short periods (e.g., 20 pounds in a single week). Emotional symptoms are very similar to those of anorexia, but physical signs are not. For example:
– Bloodshot eyes

– Swollen lymph nodes

– Dehydration leads to cracked lips

– The constant vomiting causes eroded tooth enamel and reduced gums

– Sores on one’s knuckles from inducing vomiting
Long before these physical signs become obvious, you may notice some or all of the following behavioral shifts:
– Their weight and appearance are the constant topics of conversation

– Overeating and then complaining about it

– Extreme exercise

– Always excusing themselves to the bathroom after they’ve eaten

Risk Factors

On the Venn diagram, yes, there is overlap. Another example of that is when contemplating causes. There is no single identifiable cause, but risk factors exist for both conditions including:
– Societal Pressure: We have become a body-obsessed culture. If you don’t match the norms, you can feel ashamed about it. Obviously, this can become an impetus for disordered eating.
– Biological: It’s not that eating disorders “run in the family.” Rather, a certain perspective on bodies and food can be passed down.
– Psychological: Someone with other mental health disorders (e.g.: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) can be at a greater risk. Also, those with a perfectionist or rigid mindset may be more likely to struggle with either anorexia or bulimia.