What Increases Your Risk

The risk of developing bulimia or another eating disorder is greatest if a person:³

• Has a biological parent, brother, or sister who has an eating disorder or who is overweight or obese.
• Has a family history of substance abuse.
• Is overweight and is starting a restrictive diet.
• Has certain personality traits such as perfectionism.
• Struggles with cultural and social factors such as admiring thinness.

When To Call a Doctor

Call your doctor immediately if you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with bulimia and now:

• Is not able to pass urine.
• Notices that his or her heart skips beats or beats slower than normal.
• Has severe belly pain, is vomiting up blood, or has black, sticky stools that look like tar. These signs may mean that there is bleeding in the digestive tract.

Call your doctor to discuss bulimia if you or someone you care about:

• Binges and then purges to get rid of food.
• Is concerned about weight and is embarrassed about eating behaviors.
• Shows signs of an eating disorder, such as secretive eating habits, a preoccupation with body image, or an unhealthy appearance.

Watchful waiting

Taking a wait-and-see approach (called watchful waiting) is not appropriate if you think you or someone you know may have an eating disorder. Call a doctor or an eating disorder hotline to discuss your concerns and learn what you can do to help.

Who to see

Bulimia may be diagnosed and treated by the following health professionals:

• Family medicine physician
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Physician assistant
• Nurse practitioner
• Licensed mental health counselor
• Registered dietitian

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.