Causes of Bulimia

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Bulimia is a mental illness based on the desperation to attain the “perfect image.” It is serious and can even be life threatening. According to the Mayo Clinic, a person with bulimia will vomit or exercise to an unhealthy level in an attempt to lose weight. They may criticize themselves for every morsel that they eat. Binging and purging are common activities. Women get the disease more commonly than men, but everyone is susceptible. It is important to understand the causes of bulimia so that they can be recognized and controlled to the best extent possible.
Bulimia is a complex mental disorder, and there is no one particular cause that can be traced. There are certain factors that play a part in this disorder, some within a person’s control and others that are uncontrollable.
Biology may play a part in the development of bulimia. It may not cause the eating disorder as much as it leaves people vulnerable to it. Studies have shown an increased risk in those with immediate family members that have the condition. These include parents and siblings. Some researchers have hypothesized that a lack of the proper amount of serotonin, an important brain chemical, could play a part in its development.
The views of the society can also play a part in the development of bulimia. In many Western societies such as the United States of America, “thin is in.” Women see magazine cover after magazine cover with women who are far below the average weight most can attain. Women with a little extra weight are often mocked by society. This can place a lot of pressure on everyday women and men to attain an ideal body image. They may develop bulimia in an effort to reach this goal that is unattainable through healthy means.
Other emotional disorders can also contribute to the development of bulimia. For instance, if someone has depression, he or she may have low self esteem and use these behaviors to feel better. Someone may have an unhealthy need for perfectionism. They may be overly impulsive or have other disorders.
A person’s behaviors can aid in the development of bulimia. Dieting is a large cause of this. If someone tries too harsh of a diet, then she may lose control and binge eat. Wracked with guilt, she may then vomit later to make up for it. Healthy exercise may get out of control and go far beyond what is necessary and healthy.
It is important to recognize the signs of bulimia and to get help to those affected. Treatment may include hospitalization, medical interventions for malnutrition, mental health counseling, medication, nutritional counseling and more. With proper care, recovery becomes more likely.