Bulimia

Every year, more and more teenage girls develop eating disorders in the United States because they are dissatisfied with their bodies. "The American Anorexia and Bulimia Association states that anorexia and bulimia strike a million American women every year" (Wolf, 1991, p. 181).Bulimia is a growing epedimic that is effecting an enormous amount of women, and even some men throughout the world. Bulimia not only takes over your body, but it also takes over your mind. There are many factors that play a role leading to the cause of this eating disorder. Such factors include, peer pressure, the media, self-esteem, and perfectionism. Bulimia is a well known eating disorder in which many people are aware of. People know the serious risks associated with this disease, but still let themselves become enaged in it. Still, knowing this disease is bad for you and has severe, sometimes life-threatening complications, why are so many people taking part in this epedemic?

Bulimia, also called bulimia nervosa is a psychological eating disorder. Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control (purging). Inappropriate methods of weight control include vomiting, fasting, enemas, excessive use of laxatives and diuretics, or compulsive exercising.People with bulimia can look perfectly normal. Most of them are of normal weight, and some may be overweight.

Bulimia nervosa usually gets it's start when someone is told by another person or group of people that this is a very easy way to lose weight and control weight. For the most part it will start at a young age when someone is in school. "People with bulimia nervosa are under the false impression, usually due to peer pressure, that they can eat anything they want, as much as they want, but never gain a pound" ()

The people who let this disease take over their mind have poor body image, resulting from a culture that associates thinness with attractiveness and that puts social pressure on people to be thin. The media plays a major part in the way we perceive the "perfect" way to look.

Usually individuals suffering from bulimia have low self-esteem, feelings of helplessness and a fear of becoming fat. Those suffering with Bulimia may seek episodes of binging and purging to avoid and let out feelings of anger, depression, stress