Eating Disorders
What Is An Eating Disorder?
How To Recognize
FAQ
Should I Be Concerned?
Are You At Risk?
Anorexia Nervosa
Binge Eating Disorder
Bulimia Nervosa
Prevention
Eating Disorder Prevention
Respect Self Value People (RSVP)
50 Ways to lose Body Dissatisfaction
Local Resources
Community Contacts
Support Group
General Info Links
Academy for Eating Disorders
Gurze Eating Disorder Resources
National Eating Disorders Association
Something Fishy
Research
New Updates
Health consequences of bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa can be extremely harmful to the body. The recurrent binge-and-purge cycles can damage the entire digestive system and purge behaviors can lead to electrolyte and chemical imbalances in the body that affect the heart and other major organ functions. Some of the health consequences of bulimia nervosa include:
- Electrolyte imbalances that can lead to irregular heartbeat and possible heart failure and death. Electrolyte imbalance is caused by dehydration and loss of potassium and sodium from the body as a result of purging behaviors.
- Inflammation and possible rupture of the esophagus from frequent vomiting.
- Tooth decay and staining from stomach acids released during frequent vomiting.
- Chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation as a result of laxative abuse.
- Gastric rupture is an uncommon but possible side effect of binge eating.
