Bulimia is characterised by eating large amounts of food which leads to feelings of guilt, and self disgust. Weight control becomes a major focus in life, weight usually remains stable due to eating then purging. The causes of bulimia and anorexia are debated but include biological, psychololgical and social factors. Often these conditions start after strict dieting. Social influences are thought to be a large contributing factor.
Magazines often portray women as ultra thin, and men as overly muscular.
These images represent the extremes of body shapes and do not represent the average person. Magazines can digitally alter photographs to remove cellulite, shave inches from anywhere and distort people to enhance their look. Obesity is also a possible eating disorder, complications are usually not immediately evident, but heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, cancer and respiratory disorders may develop as time goes by.