Bulimics can be under, over, or of normal weight. Bulimia is also distinguished from binge eaters who do not engage in compensatory behavior afterwards.

The numbers of people suffering from bulimia is difficult to determine. "Research suggests that about four percent (4%), or four out of one hundred, college-aged women have bulimia. About 50% of people who have been anorexic develop bulimia or bulimic patterns" ("Statistics: How many people have eating disorders?" ANRED, 2007). Other estimates range around 3% (Rowan, 2006). The causes of Bulimia Nervosa are even more difficult to pinpoint. Some therapists believe that "the pressure to be thin and resulting abnormal eating patterns that are regarded as normal are probably partly to blame," and individuals in appearance-conscious jobs or weight-conscious sports such as wrestling, gymnastics, and running, have a higher incidence of bulimia (Rowan, 2006). Also, Western countries have higher rates of eating disorders than non-Western countries,...
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