Bulimia Nervosa is characterized by an extreme preoccupation with losing or maintaining a certain weight, and unhappiness with one’s body size or shape. Most (85 to 90% ) people who suffer from Bulimia are women, and all races and socioeconomic groups can be affected. The age of onset was historically 19 years, but younger teens afflicted with bulimia are becoming increasingly common. Bulimics regularly binge eat, or eat unusually large quantities of food in a short period time, and then purge through vomiting, laxative or diuretic abuse, or over exercise. A feeling of lack of control over one’s eating binges is very common. Anxiety, depression and substance abuse can accompany bulimia. Stress, low self- esteem, genetics, brain chemistry, and personality traits can all be predisposing factors in developing bulimia. People with bulimia tend to be good at hiding their binge and purge behaviors and often feel very shameful about their disease. Telltale signs of Bulimia can be broken blood vessels around the eyes (from vomiting), swollen cheeks or jaws, discolored or clear teeth, and extreme fatigue.