The Hidden Cycle – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
From the book – Chapter 26: Eating Disorders
The Hidden Cycle
Sofia, twenty-two, lived in a shared flat in Manchester and worked in a bank. Everyone thought she was the one who had it together. She was neither thin nor overweight, and she laughed along when colleagues talked about diets.
After a long day, or a harsh word from her manager, she would eat far more than she meant to, with a feeling of being out of control. Afterwards, flooded with disgust, she would make herself sick or fast for days. She was embarrassed and told no one.
What this story explains
This story shows bulimia nervosa and the point that a normal weight does not rule it out. It also names the physical risks and the use of enhanced CBT and nutritional support.
How to recognise it
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Eating large amounts quickly, with a feeling of loss of control.
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Making oneself sick, fasting, or using laxatives or exercise to make up for it.
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Self-worth that depends heavily on body shape.
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Dental wear, tiredness, puffy cheeks, weakness or palpitations.
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Secrecy, and a normal-looking body that hides the danger.
What to do
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Seek a medical check, including heart and blood salts, even if you feel fine.
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Tell a safe person; the secrecy sustains the cycle.
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Work with a therapist trained in eating disorders and a dietitian on regular eating.
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Notice emotions and situations that come before a binge.
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Never rely on self-prescribed fixes; treat the underlying anxiety or low mood too.
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If there is chest pain, fainting or severe weakness, go to the nearest hospital or call the local emergency number.
Do and don’t
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Show care without judgement. | Do not watch or police her eating. |
| Say you have noticed, kindly. | Do not say "just stop". |
| Keep confidences, unless safety is at risk. | Do not comment on her body. |
| Encourage medical help. | Do not assume she is fine because she looks healthy. |
| Offer company after meals if asked. | Do not shame the behaviour. |
Read the full chapter – Chapter 26: Eating Disorders
Stories from real life
- The Quiet Plate – Diya, sixteen, from Kolkata, was a top student and a state-level swimmer. After a cousin joked about her "round cheeks" she began cutting out foods, first…
- The Man at the Fridge Door – Ahmed, thirty-eight, an accountant in Dubai, ate quickly and alone, often standing at the fridge late at night. He would eat far past comfortable fullness, even…
- Eight Foods and a Packed Lunch – Little Arjun, seven, from Chennai, ate only a few foods: plain rice, one brand of biscuit and dry toast. New smells made him gag. At school…
- Not Quite Anything – Jamal, seventeen, in Leeds, played football and began to cut back what he ate to "get lean." He had a small group of friends and was…
More on this topic: Sleep problems, food and daily routine for a healthy mind
More questions
- The Man at the Fridge Door – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Eight Foods and a Packed Lunch – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Not Quite Anything – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Meera’S Plate”?
- What they are?
- Understanding anorexia nervosa – eating disorders
- Understanding bulimia nervosa – eating disorders
- Understanding binge eating disorder
- Understanding ARFID and OSFED – eating disorders
- What sits underneath?
- How to sleep better – habits that help
- Food, mood and emotional eating