Understanding the Causes of Bulimia Nervosa: A Comprehensive Guide

Although the medical causes of bulimia are still under investigation, experts agree that some common catalysts are present in a majority of cases. If you have a friend or family member who suffers from bulimia, understanding more about the disease is imperative.

Instructions

• 1

  Notice a friend's intense dissatisfaction with her body image. Bulimics often despise their body and are obsessed with the way they look. They may call themselves fat or overweight, even though they might not be.

• 2

  Observe areas of your friend's life that are stressful. Experts agree that bulimia is a reaction to a high-stress situation, in addition to an unrealistic body image. In teens, bulimia may coincide with pressure to excel in school or sports.

• 3

  Talk to your friend if you feel depression is a cause of her bulimia. According to eating disorder experts, bulimia can result from a desire to overeat to stop depression. During a binge, the bulimic feels a euphoric "high," and she may be very happy or excited. That feeling changes quickly to self-loathing when she purges.

• 4

  Look for outside influences in your friend's life that pressure her to look a certain way. Sadly, a sibling, close friend or even a parent may make offhand remarks about her weight, which can lead to depression and bulimic behavior.

• 5

  Ask your friend if anyone in her family is bulimic. Studies indicate that some people are born with a predisposition for developing bulimia. Often, these same people have an increased risk of developing chemical or alcoholic addictions.