Eating disorders are surprisingly common in the western world. It is usually females who are affected, but not exclusively- around 5% of cases occur in men. Eating disorders affect women of any age, but are especially prevalent amongst girls in their teens and twenties. At this age, many young women are influenced by 'peer pressure' and images of glamorous (and extremely thin) celebrities. They aspire to be thin just like these role models, and embark on a drastic diet. The danger is that dieting can become extremely addictive, and this is when an eating disorder can pose a threat.

In common with anorexics, bulimia sufferers have a real fear of becoming fat. To control this, bulimics indulge in binge-eating sessions, often in secret, followed by a sense of self-loathing. This is followed by purging - self-induced vomiting and/or using laxatives or diuretics to help them maintain what they see as an 'acceptable' weight. The main difference between anorexia and bulimia is that bulimia sufferers often remain in the normal weight range for their height.

If you are worried you may have developed bulimia, or you are concerned about someone you know, it is important that you seek medical help - over the long term, bulimia can cause serious health problems such as heart damage and infertility.

Fighting bulimia takes courage and perseverance, and is never easy. Treatments are varied, according to the individual and their circumstances. What is known is that these certain personality traits are common in sufferers:

- Low self-esteem
- Depression and mood swings
- Obsessive behavior

For sufferers, admitting they have a problem is the first (and hardest) step in regaining control and fighting back against the bulimia. The first point of contact for seeking treatment should be your family doctor; they will give you a physical exam and decide on the appropriate course of treatment.

The earlier a person seeks help, the easier it is to successfully treat them. For these bulimics, treatment may consist of a self-help manual with occasional help from a therapist. Other treatments include:

Eating a healthy diet - keeping a diary of everything they eat and learning about healthy eating and sensible weight control may benefit some people.

Prescribed short-term antidepressants such as Prozac. Antidepressants have been proven to reduce binging and purging, probably due to the fact that a sufferer's mood is lifted.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is known to be an effective treatment for bulimia sufferers, as it allows them to work through their feelings and confront any issues which may have caused them to develop an eating disorder. CBT may also teach sufferers to adopt a healthier attitude to food.

On rare occasions, a sufferer may be admitted to hospital if serious health problems occur or there is a risk of them self-harming or committing suicide

Self-help groups may also be beneficial in aiding recovery. Sufferers can meet people who have been through the same experiences as themselves.

Fighting bulimia is largely down to the sufferer, but friends and family can do a lot to help. Try not to criticize or put pressure on the person in question and instead offer them unconditional support. Recovery can be long and difficult, but with commitment and patience, it can be achieved.