Societal Factors
American culture celebrates
thinness and places emphasis on particular types of physical beauty. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services, women in America are under constant pressure to fit into these body and appearance ideals. When a person compares
themselves continually to these images, their risk of feeling physically inadequate runs high.
If you have
or are at risk for bulimia, surround yourself with positive images, such as art that demonstrates beauty in all shapes and
sizes and avoid television programs, movies and magazines that place value on people's appearances or body weight more so
than skills, personality and other attributes. Discuss your feelings regarding your body and societal ideals with a trusted
therapist for best results.
Biological Factors
Biology can play a role in bulimia. Eating disorders, including bulimia, tend to run in families.
Though it is not always the case, if your siblings or parents have an eating disorder, you are at heightened risk. According
to the Mayo Clinic, there may be genes that determine which individuals are most at risk for eating disorders. Research is
still being conducted, and since behaviors modeled by family members are also influential in other family members' self
image and value system, it is difficult to determine which is more powerful--behavioral or genetic factors.
Another biological factor involves brain chemistry. If you lack serotonin, a chemical required for maintaining positive feelings
and emotional well being, you may consequently develop an illness such as bulimia. In these cases, dietary or lifestyle
changes as well as medications may prove helpful.
Emotional Factors
Individuals with bulimia struggle with emotional
issues, such as depression and poor self esteem. Abuse and trauma are also risk factors for developing the disease. According
to the Mayo Clinic, people with eating disorders may struggle with perfectionism, impulsive behavior, anger management difficulties
and troubled relationships. As bulimia worsens, emotional difficulties tend to worsen as well. In addition, bulimic behaviors
often serve as unhealthy coping mechanisms that sufferers turn to rather than dealing with difficult feelings in other ways.
If depression or an alternate emotional disorder contributed to your acquiring bulimia, the emotional disorder will
likely need to be addressed before long-term, effective healing is met. Since many bulimic behaviors hold harmful side effects,
behaviors must be changed as well. Keep in mind that though bulimia is a complex disorder, recovery is possible and an incredibly
worthy pursuit.
