What Causes Bulimia, And Who Is At Risk?

Sufferers of bulimia face numerous problems, and treatment is most effective if the condition is caught early. What are the risk factors, and which groups of people are more likely to develop it?

Bulimia is one of the most threatening and most present eating disorders within our society today. Those with the disorder face numerous problems due to the damage it can do to their mind and their body. Bulimics often suffer from a poor self image, a lack of self esteem, and a sense of depression about themselves. They tend to over-indulge in meals, binging and eating lots of sweet foods, and then follow that up by purging. They purge the food from their system either from inducing vomiting or taking laxatives in order to speed the food through their system. In this article, we'll examine those that are specifically at risk for bulimia so that you can understand exactly what to look for when one may be at a risk for becoming a bulimic.

One of the first things to note when assessing a risk for a bulimic condition is the age of an individual. Studies have shown that many eating disorders begin to take place when an individual is an adolescent. This can be due to the pressures that are placed on appearance for youths, where school can be the ultimate proving ground. Youths are often impressionable and overly concerned about their appearance. When you consider that fact in addition to the pressure that the media places on adolescents to fit into conforming roles of beauty that are often unachievable, the conditions are ripe for an eating disorder. Most cases of bulimia have been shown to begin in youths between the ages of ten and twenty five.

Another thing to consider when it comes to at-risk groups are those who perform in graceful activities that rely on appearance. Gymnasts, dancers, and models are known to be more likely to have a case of bulimia as they face added pressure when it comes to keeping in the best shape possible. Students that are under significant workloads may also be at risk for bulimia, as the stress can cause them to lose sight of themselves. Traumatic childhood experiences such as sexual abuse and domestic abuse may also cause an individual to feel unworthy of the world, with the individual resorting to bulimia in order to feel a sense of acceptance in the general world. Overachievers and perfectionists also commonly resort to bulimia as a method of keeping themselves in line on their eternal hunt for perfection.

Bulimia is a problem that can result in death. It's a very serious eating disorder to consider, and it may be shocking to you to find out that a full one in seven college-aged females face a problem with bulimia. Noting the risk factors for bulimia can be key to noticing whether or not someone may have a problem. To that end, if you expect bulimia to be present in someone you know, you should approach them with compassion and let them know the kind of damage that they are doing to themselves. Note your concern, and be sure to approach the situation with a high level of kindness.