Bulimia Nervosa Causes & Risks

Causes

The cause of bulimia is unknown. Several factors may contribute to this condition:

Cultural bias toward thinness
Dieting or restricted eating
Changes in the level of brain chemicals
Emotional stress
Physical changes in the digestive system, including:
- An enlarged stomach
- A stomach that empties slowly
- Decreased production of a digestive hormone

Risk Factors

Factors that increases your chance of developing bulimia include:

Sex: female
Age: 11-20 years old
History of obesity
Anxiety
Mood disorder
Family members who have been obese
Family members who have had a mood disorder
Compulsive dieting
Low self-esteem
Unhappiness with weight and size
Career in which physical appearance is important

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