Bulimia: 6 Disturbing Statistics About the Disorder

Bulimia is a difficult and sadly common eating disorder. Like all eating disorders, it’s a complex matter that is not completely understood yet. Causes for the disorder can include  a variety of factors, including genes, temperament, and environment. When people acquire this problem, they typically binge on huge amounts of food at one time and then purge the food later. Due to the stigma and shame surrounding this issue, most sufferers try desperately to hide any or all symptoms that they have it. Here are some disturbing statistics that you didn’t know about bulimia.

Number Six: It’s Becoming More Common in Male Athletes

Problems like anorexia and bulimia are on the rise in athletes, particularly male ones. This is because certain sports place emphasis on the importance of possessing a certain body type, and often suggest that players need to lose weight to attain a more lean physique.

Number Five: 34% of Bulimics Also Self Harm in Additional Ways

When it comes to these types of problems, they often go hand-in-hand with other issues. Self-harm (for example cutting) is very common in people with eating disorders.

Number Four: Up to 50% of Bulimics Relapse on the Way to Recovery

It’s a long hard road to recovery, and this battle can last a lifetime. Statistics have shown us over and over again that relapse is tragically common in recovering bulimics, since their troublesome activities are so addictive and familiar. In fact, this occurs in 30 to 50% of people.

Number Three: Only 10% of People with Bulimia Receive Treatment

People with this disorder don’t receive the help they need often enough. The estimated number is about 1 of every 10 people affected by this disorder.

Number Two: Suicide is a Common Death Cause in Sufferers

Although a whole host of health issues come along with this problem, some causes of death are higher than others. Suicide is one of the highest causes among bulimic people.

Number One: Up to 70% of Sufferers Have More than 1 Disorder

Problems with addiction to drugs or alcohol are not uncommon in people suffering from bulimia. We hope you found our article informative and that you received some helpful information. Thanks for reading.