Increased Risks To Developing A Bulimia Eating Disorder

Bulimia eating disorder cases are rising every day. There are several reasons contributing to this phenomena. It is in your best interest to know about them; whether for yourself or for your growing kids. A bulimia eating disorder, if left untreated and not attended to, can be life threatening. Getting to know what contributes to increased risks to developing a bulimia eating disorder helps in its prevention.

To begin with, a sufferer of bulimia eating disorder usually has a poor self-image and lack of self esteem. He or she finds the need to fight depression. He or she finds solace in food and starts to develop an eating disorder through over indulgence. Feeling guilt and shame from eating too much, he or she then undertakes compensatory actions. Compensatory actions include induced vomiting or taking laxatives. However, these actions can have a harmful effect on the body.

An enormous risk factor is age. Most sufferers develop a bulimia eating disorder during adolescence. It is found that the age group, somewhere between 10 and 25, is at the greatest risk to developing bulimia. It is likely that at this age, you are subjected to peer pressure. Of course, the media presents unachievable images, which does not help any as it only places more pressure on you.

Stress can also increase your risk to developing a bulimia eating disorder. It can cause you to lose sight of yourself. Stress can come from traumatic childhood experiences that leave you feeling unworthy and unwanted. This may cause you to develop a bulimia eating disorder as you use food to help you forget your stress. Also, if you are an overachiever or perfectionist you may resort to bulimia when things do not go you’re your way.

If you are engaged in an activity that relies heavily upon outward appearance, you are also more susceptible to developing a bulimia eating disorder. These activities include dancing, gymnastics, and modeling. The added pressures of these activities make it even more likely for you to develop bulimia as you want to look good for your sport or job.

You should know that a bulimia eating disorder is a problem that can result in death if you do not prevent it from becoming serious. In fact, you may actually be shocked to learn that one in seven college-aged females struggle with bulimia.

Knowing whether you have increased risks to developing a bulimia eating disorder can help in taking the necessary precautions. You can also help prevent your kids from developing a bulimia eating disorder as well by showering them with plenty of love and support. Helping them build a strong self esteem and confidence is about the best gift that you can give them.