Bulimia is an eating disorder. Although the disorder can affect men, most bulimics are female adolescents or young women. The exact cause of bulimia is not known.
Bulimics seem to be particularly vulnerable to rejection, loss, and failure.
Although most bulimics have a normal weight, they feel a lack of control over their eating behavior. After binging, they may induce vomiting or use laxatives or diuretics because they are fearful of becoming overweight. They often feel that their lives are controlled by conflicts about eating. The doctor does a physical exam and medical history. People with this problem must recognize that they are suffering from a dangerous disorder.