Causes of Bulimia Nervosa

• Families. The attitude of parents about appearance and diet affects their kids. Also, if your mother or sister has bulimia, you are more likely to have it.
• Culture. The U.S. has a social and cultural ideal of extreme thinness. Women partially define themselves on how they look.
• Personal characteristics. Someone with bulimia may feel badly about herself, feel helpless, and hate the way she looks.
• Other emotional disorders. Other mental health problems, like depression or anxiety, occur along with bulimia.
• Stressful events or life changes. Things like starting a new school or job, being teased, or traumatic events like rape can lead to the onset of bulimia.
• Biology. There are studies being done to look at many genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain that may have an effect on the development of, and recovery from, bulimia.