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Causes of Bulimia


While studies continue to reveal new sources of eating disorders, causes of bulimia may vary from genetic or family history of eating or mental disorders, societal or peer pressure, obsession over weight loss, or experimenting with extreme diets.

  • Genetic Factors: Research suggests there maybe a genetic link involved in patients with bulimia. A family history of eating disorders may increase the likelihood of bulimia. Genetic influences may also result in women suffering from cases of bulimia more than men. A chemical imbalance in the brain in certain individuals may also increase the chances of individuals suffering from lack of self-control and binging leading to bulimia.
  • Obsession with Fitness and Weight: Diet and fitness studies suggest that obsessing over food and exercise may trigger bulimia. Bulimic patients often complain about their weight and body shape. They may try different diets to lose weight or over exercise. Infact stringent dieting often leads to binge attacks. Guilt over binging may bring on the purge cycle resulting in bulimia. An unhealthy approach to both diet and exercise and loss of control may cause bulimia.
  • Psychological Factors: Psychological problems often trigger causes that lead to bulimia. Low esteem, depression, family conflicts, criticism from peers or family over diet may often cause bulimia. Individuals may also experience loss of self-control when they suffer from stress or trauma. Emotional triggers may include lack of anger management, troubled relationships, lack of impulse control, and so on.
  • Cultural and Social Influences: Young adults may often suffer from a distorted body image as media glorifies skinny, thin figures. The desire to be thin maybe stretched to obsessive-compulsive lengths resulting in bulimia. Peer pressure to conform to a certain weight or body shape especially in the fashion and media industry has spawned many bulimic patients.

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Tests
References
  1. Bulimia nervosa in overweight and normal-weight women Masheb, Robin / White, Marney A., Comprehensive Psychiatry, 53 (2), p.181-186, Feb 2012
  2. A Review Of The Definitions Of Outcome Used In The Treatment Of Bulimia Nervosa Williams, Sarah E. / Watts, Thomas K.O. / Wade, Tracey D., Clinical Psychology Review, In Press, Accepted Manuscript,Feb 2012