Incidence of Bulimia in Teens
The worldwide prevalence of bulimia cases in young females is estimated to be around 1% to 3% (depending on the country). However, a European study found the expression of the core symptoms of anorexia and bulimia to be present in up to 12% of women over the course of their lifetimes.
Most people who have bulimia are women, but men can certainly struggle with this disorder. In fact, there is likely an underreporting of the condition, especially in boys and men.
Signs and Seeking Help
There is cause for concern if you witness one or more of the following symptoms:
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Early intervention improves the chances for a teens' successful recovery from an eating disorder.It may be hard to face the signs of bulimia in your teen, but it’s important to be vigilant in ensuring your child’s eating patterns are normal. It may be helpful for you and your teen to talk with your teen’s primary care physician about eating disorders, the signs you may be noticing, and potential ways to help.
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The Impact of Bulimia on Troubled Teens
Bulimia can have a devastating impact on teens. It’s important to educate yourself and your teen about the harmful effects of bulimia on the body, mind, and soul. While a full recovery from the physical effects of bulimia can be had, the mental and emotional effects can last a lifetime. Here are the major health consequences of bulimia:
Criteria for Bulimia Diagnosis
A Word From Verywell
Bulimia is a serious health condition that can have significant health consequences. Early intervention can help prevent many of these negative outcomes and increases the chances of recovery.
If you notice symptoms of bulimia in your teen, talk to your doctor about your next steps and treatment options. Online resources are also available that can offer advice and resources, including theNational Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).
7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Eating disorders: about more than food.Nagl M, Jacobi C, Paul M, et al.Prevalence, incidence, and natural course of anorexia and bulimia nervosa among adolescents and young adults.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016;25(8):903-918. doi:10.1007/s00787-015-0808-zVo M, Lau J, Rubinstein M.Eating disorders in adolescent and young adult males: presenting characteristics.J Adolesc Health. 2016;59(4):397-400. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.04.005Nemours TeensHealth.Eating disorders.National Eating Disorders Association.Bulimia Nervosa.Dalley SE, Bron GG, Hagl IFA, Heseding F, Hoppe S, Wit L.Bulimic symptoms in a sample of college women: disentangling the roles of body size, body shame and negative urgency.Eat Weight Disord. 2019. doi:10.1007/s40519-019-00771-zHail L, Le Grange D.Bulimia nervosa in adolescents: prevalence and treatment challenges.Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2018;9:11–16. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S135326
7 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Eating disorders: about more than food.Nagl M, Jacobi C, Paul M, et al.Prevalence, incidence, and natural course of anorexia and bulimia nervosa among adolescents and young adults.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016;25(8):903-918. doi:10.1007/s00787-015-0808-zVo M, Lau J, Rubinstein M.Eating disorders in adolescent and young adult males: presenting characteristics.J Adolesc Health. 2016;59(4):397-400. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.04.005Nemours TeensHealth.Eating disorders.National Eating Disorders Association.Bulimia Nervosa.Dalley SE, Bron GG, Hagl IFA, Heseding F, Hoppe S, Wit L.Bulimic symptoms in a sample of college women: disentangling the roles of body size, body shame and negative urgency.Eat Weight Disord. 2019. doi:10.1007/s40519-019-00771-zHail L, Le Grange D.Bulimia nervosa in adolescents: prevalence and treatment challenges.Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2018;9:11–16. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S135326
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institute of Mental Health.Eating disorders: about more than food.Nagl M, Jacobi C, Paul M, et al.Prevalence, incidence, and natural course of anorexia and bulimia nervosa among adolescents and young adults.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016;25(8):903-918. doi:10.1007/s00787-015-0808-zVo M, Lau J, Rubinstein M.Eating disorders in adolescent and young adult males: presenting characteristics.J Adolesc Health. 2016;59(4):397-400. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.04.005Nemours TeensHealth.Eating disorders.National Eating Disorders Association.Bulimia Nervosa.Dalley SE, Bron GG, Hagl IFA, Heseding F, Hoppe S, Wit L.Bulimic symptoms in a sample of college women: disentangling the roles of body size, body shame and negative urgency.Eat Weight Disord. 2019. doi:10.1007/s40519-019-00771-zHail L, Le Grange D.Bulimia nervosa in adolescents: prevalence and treatment challenges.Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2018;9:11–16. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S135326
National Institute of Mental Health.Eating disorders: about more than food.
Nagl M, Jacobi C, Paul M, et al.Prevalence, incidence, and natural course of anorexia and bulimia nervosa among adolescents and young adults.Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016;25(8):903-918. doi:10.1007/s00787-015-0808-z
Vo M, Lau J, Rubinstein M.Eating disorders in adolescent and young adult males: presenting characteristics.J Adolesc Health. 2016;59(4):397-400. doi:10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.04.005
Nemours TeensHealth.Eating disorders.
National Eating Disorders Association.Bulimia Nervosa.
Dalley SE, Bron GG, Hagl IFA, Heseding F, Hoppe S, Wit L.Bulimic symptoms in a sample of college women: disentangling the roles of body size, body shame and negative urgency.Eat Weight Disord. 2019. doi:10.1007/s40519-019-00771-z
Hail L, Le Grange D.Bulimia nervosa in adolescents: prevalence and treatment challenges.Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2018;9:11–16. doi:10.2147/AHMT.S135326
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