In a recent study conducted by researchers at Drexel University, researchers found that analyzing a bulimic patient’s weight history can significantly improve his or her success of treatment.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, bulimia nervosa is a mental disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of binge eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors to prevent weight gain, such as vomiting, laxatives or excessive exercise. The episodes occur twice or more per week for at least three months. With the condition, one’s self-worth is also greatly influenced by their weight.
The Drexel study followed 78 women with bulimia for two years and 110 women for eight years, interviewing them every six months.
The researchers found that 59 percent of the two-year group and 71.6 percent of the eight-year group reached their highest weight after the onset of the disorder and before they hit remission.
The researchers also found that the women who had reached their highest weight after the onset developed bulimia at an earlier age and struggled with it for a longer time.
The study concluded that examining a bulimic patient’s weight history can lead to more productive and successful treatment.
The results of this study were released just in time for the National Eating Disorder Association’s annual Eating Disorders Awareness Week, a campaign recognized at the University of Northern Colorado.
The Women’s Resource Center and the Counseling Center at UNC hosted a variety of events between Feb. 27 and March 2 to help raise awareness about eating disorders, including a Mind and Body health fair, a screening of “Someday Melissa,” a documentary about a young woman’s struggle with an eating disorder that she ultimately lost, and Canvas and Chocolates, an event where students could paint what they think is beautiful and snack on chocolate desserts.
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