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Bulimia bloat is not a medical term, but it is frequently used to describe the distended (swollen) belly that commonly occurs in people who are struggling with or in recovery from bulimia nervosa (BN).
But bulimia bloat is also one of the most easily treatable symptoms of BN, typically lasting for just a few weeks until eating patterns stabilize and the digestive system heals.
Bloating is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) effects associated with BN, often occurring among a suite of other GI issues, such as indigestion, feelings of fullness, and abdominal pain.1
Due to the disordered eating patterns involved in BN, there are a number of ways the condition can lead to bloating.
Physiologically, "bulimia bloating" represents the same GI complications that occur in people who do not have the eating disorder.14 But it's the cause of these issues that generally separates bulimia bloat from regular bloating.
People without BN may also struggle with constipation, eat highly processed foods, have certain food allergies or sensitivities, and experience pancreas issues and all the other issues responsible for bloating. But ultimately, these problems don’t come from the same complications presented in BN and are, for the most part, a short-term issue for someone without bulimia nervosa.
Someone with BN is more likely to consistently struggle with these issues, as they can frequently arise from the disordered eating behaviors associated with the condition. And someone with BN is more likely to develop GI issues in general than someone without the condition.
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Thankfully, treating bulimia bloat is relatively easy. It generally requires patience and a consistent diet more than anything.
Over time, the body naturally gets rid of excess gas in the digestive tract by burping or passing it out through the rectum. This can help alleviate bloating symptoms relatively quickly and effortlessly.
Some herbal teas can help jumpstart this natural process. Tea involving peppermint or lemon have been found particularly helpful for alleviating gas. And products with ginger can also help move along the digestive process and ease digestive discomfort in general.10,11,12,13
However, the best way to treat bulimia bloat is to address the bulimia nervosa itself. Stabilizing eating patterns and building an overall healthier diet and lifestyle helps alleviate or eliminate nearly all of the digestive distress BN can cause.
If you or a loved one are struggling with bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa (AN), or another eating disorder, it's important to seek out help.
It's generally best to turn to medical professionals who specialize in eating disorders, to ensure all the underlying psychological issues driving the disorder are attended to, as well as the physical symptoms.
Your primary care doctor, therapist, or another trusted professional are a great place to start. They may be able to help you secure an official diagnosis or guide you through your next best steps.
You can also reach out to us at Within Health. Our team of multidisciplinary experts can help address the physical, psychological, and emotional aspects of a serious mental health condition like BN, personalizing a treatment plan that's right for you. And our unique program helps ensure you get that tailored help all without having to leave home.
Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.
Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.
