Bulimia in Teens Introduction Eating disorders can take a devastating toll on the lives of many people. This is especially true for teenagers. Many teens, especially girls, develop eating disorders. It is important to understand the causes, symptoms, consequences, and treatment for these types of illnesses’. One of the most common eating disorders in teens is bulimia nervosa.
Bulimia nervosa (bulimia) is a serious, potentially life-threatening eating disorder. People with bulimia nervosa may binge and purge, eating large amounts of food and then try to get rid of the extra calories in an unhealthy way. For example, someone with bulimia nervosa may force themselves to vomit or do excessive exercise. If you have bulimia nervosa, you are probably preoccupied with your weight and body shape, and may judge yourself severely and harshly for your self-perceived flaws.
Causes
The exact cause of bulimia is unknown. As with other mental illnesses, there are many possible factors that could play a role in the development of eating disorders such as bulimia. Genetic, psychological, trauma, family, society, or cultural factors may play a role. Eating disorders like bulimia are more likely to occur in people who have parents or siblings with an eating disorder. Girls and women are more likely to have bulimia than boys and men. Age may play a role in who is affected. Bulimia often begins in late adolescence or early adulthood. The illness is more common in college students than in younger teens. In addition, certain situations and events might also increase the risk of developing an eating disorder like bulimia. These risk factors may include: * Family stress. People who feel less secure in their families, whose parents and siblings may be overly critical, or whose families tease them about their appearance are at higher risk of bulimia and other eating