Bulimia is an eating disorder where a person binges on food and then uses vomiting or laxatives to prevent weight gain. It most commonly affects teenage girls and young women. While there is no single known cause, factors like genetics, media portrayal of thin ideals, and social pressures are thought to contribute to its development. Symptoms include binge eating, purging, excessive exercise, and signs of electrolyte imbalance. Treatment involves counseling, nutrition therapy, medication, and support groups, but relapse is common due to the chronic nature of the illness.