Bulimia is more than only a problem with food. Purging and other behaviors to avoid weight gain are ways for people suffering from bulimia having the impression to be more in control of their lives and decrease stress and anxiety.

At the same time as there is no single known cause of bulimia, many things may have a role in its development:

• Biology. There are studies being done to look at many genes, hormones, and chemicals in the brain that may possibly have an effect on the advance of, and recovery from, bulimia.
  

• Culture. Some cultures in the U.S. have an ultimate principle of excessive thinness. Women possibly will identify themselves on how beautiful they are.
  
  
• Personal feelings. Somebody with bulimia might feel badly about herself, feel not self-reliant, and hate the way she looks.
  
  
• Stressful events or life changes. Stuff like starting a new school or job, being teased, or traumatic events like rape can go in front to the onset of bulimia.
  
  
• Families. The position of parents about appearance and diet affects their kids. Also, a person is more likely to develop bulimia if a mother or sister has it.