Final answer:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder with a 1% lifetime prevalence rate in women and 0.5% in men, characterized by binge eating and compensatory behaviors like purging. The most at-risk individuals are adolescent females, with cultural and genetic factors playing a role in the disorder's development.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by recurring episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors such as vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, or extreme exercise. This disorder can have severe health impacts, including electrolyte imbalances, irregular heartbeat, and potentially fatal consequences like heart failure. It is estimated that the lifetime prevalence rate for bulimia nervosa is around 1% for women and less than 0.5% for men. People with bulimia nervosa often experience comorbid conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
The average onset age for bulimia nervosa tends to be in adolescence, with females between the ages of 15 and 19 being the most at-risk group. It is a complex disorder influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural, social, and genetic. White females from Western societies represent the most at-risk population for developing bulimia nervosa, likely influenced by societal pressures and ideals of thinness.