What Increases Your Risk

The risk of developing bulimia or another eating disorder is greatest if a person:^{3, 2}

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