Bulimia Dangers
All eating disorders are dangerous, but the serious consequences of bulimia nervosa, which doesn't always get as much attention as starvation or dramatic overeating, aren't always understood. Also misunderstood is the diversity among bulimics; while most are women, men account for about 10 percent of those with the disorder. If you are bulimic or are considering purging, take time to understand the potentially devastating effects of the disease.
Dehydration
Vomiting and the use of laxatives, the most common methods of purging, prevent the body from retaining the necessary amount of liquids. This kind of serious dehydration causes short-term effects such as dizziness and weakness, but it also can lead to more serious long-term problems, including kidney failure, heart failure, brain damage and death.
Malnutrition
Bulimics are known for binging and purging, but they can also go through periods of intense undereating. Both undereating and overeating cause malnutrition, which can bring about severe respiratory infections, heart attack and even blindness.
Reflux
Esophageal and acid reflux disorders are caused by excessive vomiting. When someone regurgitates partially digested foods from the stomach back into the esophagus, the acid and enzymes can cause damage, which can lead to cancer of the esophagus and voice box.
Tooth Decay
Vomiting-related stomach acid also causes tooth erosion. Approximately 89 percent of people with bulimia show signs of tooth decay, according to the National Eating Disorders Association.
Infertility
Women sometimes experience the loss of a regular menstrual cycle. Full-term pregnancy can become impossible due to malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies.
Depression
Typically done in secret, bulimia carries with it feelings of shame. Anxiety and depression can lead to a binging and purging episode, but this behavior also can lead to depression, continuing the cycle.
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