Bulimia nervosa overview and incidence.
Bulimia nervosa, more commonly known as bulimia, is derived from the  relevant Greek word and it means desire for massive food consumption. This eating disorder is often associated with anorexia nervosa. Bulimia may affect the individual's body image and is characterized by the obsession for weight loss and thin appearance. Thus, bulimia nervosa may lead to excessive intentional weight loss which can cause a person to be dangerously underweight. However, there might be no significant weight loss and the eating disorder may not come to medical attention until the patient seeks help.
The condition is characterized by consumption of huge amounts of food, followed by low self-esteem, guiltiness or fear of weight gain. Eventually, the person purges by several means. These may include intense physical activity, fasting, vomiting or abuse of laxatives, diuretics and enemas. A pathological condition is classified as bulimia, when such behavior occurs at least twice a week for a minimum period of three months.
Bulimia nervosa may coexist with alcohol abuse, anti-social behavior and other psychological or
psychiatric
conditions, such as depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder and narcissism. Bulimia nervosa is most common in adolescent and young adult females, although the disorder can occur in people of all ages. Contrary to the popular perception that eating disorders are "female diseases", individuals of both genders can experience bulimia nervosa. Statistics have shown that in North America and Europe, 2% of the population suffers from bulimia nervosa and the relevant figure is approximately 5% among females,
particularly
of young age. Males, especially with homosexual subculture, may suffer from both anorexia and bulimia nervosa. Of course, this does not mean that only homosexual males suffer from such pathological conditions. Statistics show that far
fewer men than women seek medical help, because it is difficult for them to acknowledge they suffer from such illnesses and they feel quite embarrassed to admit this in front of anybody, including their doctor.
The similarities of the groups of people being at risk to experience anorexia or bulimia nervosa are remarkable. These categories include teenagers of both genders, individuals active in dancing, modeling, athletics or gymnastics, females in general, high-achievers, perfectionists, students being under heavy work pressure, people who experienced traumatic domestic violence, child or sexual abuse, high IQ individuals and homosexuals.
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