Rick, a 38-year-old husband and father of two, suffers from bulimia nervosa. For 15 years, he secretly purged after every meal. His eating disorder can be traced back to being overweight as a child. He was the victim of name-calling in school and the cruel teasing continued into adulthood.
Rick, a 38-year-old husband and father of two, suffers from bulimia nervosa. For 15 years, he secretly purged after every meal. His eating disorder can be traced back to being overweight as a child. He was the victim of name-calling in school and the cruel teasing continued into adulthood. At one point, Rick's co-workers, thinking it was funny, wrapped him from head to toe in packing tape. Instead of reporting them, Rick tried harder to fit in. He learned that purging was an effective way of losing weight and dropped 100 pounds in 10 months. Eating disorders are closely linked to how people feel about themselves, and especially to the need for self-esteem. However, Rick quickly lost control of his world to his obsession. He experienced seizures, was unable to concentrate, and eventually lost his job. Several years passed before Rick was able to acknowledge that he needed treatment. Because the disorder is typically viewed as a female illness, men may have a particularly difficult time admitting their vulnerability and need for help. Nearly two years ago, Rick finally admitted himself to the eating disorders unit at Somerset Medical Center in New Jersey. After six weeks of treatment, he was doing well enough to be discharged. Although he admits that he still occasionally slips by overeating and purging, he remains hopeful and committed to overcoming his disorder.