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Anorexia

Bulimia

Bulimia, is a type of eating disorder. A person with bulimia eats a lot of food in a short amount of time (binges) and then tries to prevent weight gain by getting rid of the food, called purging. Bulimia is more than just a problem with food. A binge can be triggered by dieting, stress, or uncomfortable emotions, such as anger or sadness. Purging and other actions to prevent weight gain are ways for people with bulimia to feel more in control of their lives and ease stress and anxiety. There is no single known cause of bulimia, but there are some factors that may play a part.

• Culture. Women in the U.S. are under constant pressure to fit a certain ideal of beauty. Seeing images of flawless, thin females everywhere makes it hard for women to feel good about their bodies. More and more, men are also feeling pressure to have a perfect body.
• Families. If you have a mother or sister with bulimia, you are more likely to also have bulimia. Parents who think looks are important, diet themselves, or criticize their children's bodies are more likely to have a child with bulimia.
• Life changes or stressful events. Traumatic events like rape, as well as stressful things like starting a new job, can lead to bulimia.
• Personality traits. Someone with bulimia may have low self-esteem or feel hopeless. She or he may be very moody, have problems expressing anger, or have a hard time controlling impulsive behaviors.
• Biology. Genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain may be factors in developing bulimia.

• using diet pills, or taking pills to urinate or have a bowel movement
• going to the bathroom all the time after eating (to throw up)
• exercising a lot, even in bad weather or when hurt or tired

• swollen cheeks or jaw area
• calluses or scrapes on knuckles (if using fingers to induce vomiting)
• teeth that look clear
• broken blood vessels in the eyes