Some of bulimia's effects include:
- Heart problems, such as irregular heartbeat, low pulse, low blood pressure, weakened heart muscle, or heart failure
- Fluids and electrolytes problems, such as dehydration and low levels of potassium, magnesium, and sodium
- Intestinal problems, such as constipation, irregular bowel movements, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal cramping
Full Answer
What are the long term affects by bulimia?
Tooth decay and damage are two of the most frequent long-term side effects associated with Bulimia. Regular vomiting can cause enamel erosion, leading to tooth damage, decay, and even loss. Long-term damage to your salivary glands (the ones that produce saliva) and gum disease are potential problems.
Is bulimia really that bad for You?
Like all eating disorders, bulimiais a serious illness. It can permanently damage your body and can even be deadly. People with bulimiawill often eat large amounts of food, or binge, and then try to get rid of the calories in what is called a purge. This often involves vomiting, excessive exercising, or abuse of laxativesor diuretics.
What affects does bulimia have on your body?
What are the effects of bulimia on the body?
- Effects of bulimia. Purging may cause acid reflux and stomach pain. ...
- Understanding the binge-purge cycle. The two behaviors that define bulimia are bingeing and purging. ...
- Outlook. Bulimia is a serious eating disorder and mental health condition. The physical symptoms of bulimia can cause potentially life-threatening complications.
What are the possible causes of bulimia?
Potential Causes of Bulimia
- Biological Causes of Bulimia. Females are more likely than males to develop bulimia, especially during their late teens. ...
- Environmental Causes of Bulimia. ...
- Emotional Causes of Bulimia. ...
- Other Predisposing Factors Involved with Bulimia. ...
- Regain Your Life. ...
What are 5 negative effects of bulimia?
This can then lead to the development of esophageal cancer. Other long-term consequences of bulimia include damage to the kidneys, increased risk of kidney stones and kidney failure, diabetes, high cholesterol, hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, chronic dehydration, chronic fatigue, and electrolyte imbalances.
What damage does bulimia do to your body?
Bulimia can permanently damage your stomach and intestines, causing other problems like constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Hormonal problems. Reproductive issues, including irregular periods, missed periods, and fertility problems are common side effects when you have bulimia.
What are 3 health risks of bulimia?
Specific Health Risks of BulimiaCardiac complications (irregular heartbeat and heart failure stemming from electrolyte imbalances such as potassium, sodium, and chloride)Dehydration.Edema (stemming from periods of purging cessation)Ulcers, pancreatitis.More items...
What problems are caused by bulimia?
ComplicationsNegative self-esteem and problems with relationships and social functioning.Dehydration, which can lead to major medical problems, such as kidney failure.Heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat or heart failure.Severe tooth decay and gum disease.Absent or irregular periods in females.More items...•
What does bulimia do to your brain?
Neurological Effects on the Brain Caused by Bulimia Nervosa Eating disorders can have a variety of effects on the brain as well. Repeated binge eating episodes can alter the way the brain releases and distributes serotonin, not to mention the various deficiencies in brain function resulting from prolonged malnutrition.
What is bulimia face?
When a person has been engaging in self-induced vomiting regularly and they suddenly stop engaging in the behaviour, their salivary glands in front of their ears (cheeks) may begin to swell. This makes their cheeks look swollen.
How long can you be bulimic before it affects you?
Signs and Symptoms Binging and purging behaviors must occur at least once a week for 3 months. Bulimia symptoms can vary and include: Forced vomiting. Excessive exercise.
How long can bulimia last?
Depending on several factors, it may take several months or even a few years to find recovery from bulimia. The repetitive and harmful behaviors associated with bulimia must be replaced with healthier coping mechanisms, which takes time and dedication to a new way of thinking and reacting to stressful situations.
Does bulimia ever go away?
You can recover from bulimia, but it may take time and recovery will be different for everyone. Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and should take into account any other support you might need, such as for depression or anxiety. If you're over 18, you'll probably be offered a guided self-help programme.
What are 3 warning signs of bulimia?
What are the Warning Signs of Bulimia?Episodes of binge eating.Self-induced vomiting.Smelling like vomit.Misuse of laxatives and diuretics.Complaining about body image.Expressing guilt or shame about eating.Depression.Irritability.More items...•
Can bulimia cause memory loss?
There are three particular diagnoses of eating disorders that have been linked to memory impairments: anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED).
What happens if u vomit everyday?
Contact your GP if: you've been vomiting repeatedly for more than a day or two. you're unable to keep down any fluids because you are vomiting repeatedly. your vomit is green (this could mean you are bringing up a fluid called bile, which suggests you may have a blockage in your bowel – see below)
Can your body heal after bulimia?
If treated swiftly and correctly, individuals are able to experience recovery and healing, along with the reversal of most, but not all, of the physical consequences. However, without professional treatment, bulimia nervosa may be life-threatening.
How long can you be bulimic before it affects you?
Signs and Symptoms Binging and purging behaviors must occur at least once a week for 3 months. Bulimia symptoms can vary and include: Forced vomiting. Excessive exercise.
What happens if u vomit everyday?
Contact your GP if: you've been vomiting repeatedly for more than a day or two. you're unable to keep down any fluids because you are vomiting repeatedly. your vomit is green (this could mean you are bringing up a fluid called bile, which suggests you may have a blockage in your bowel – see below)
What does constant vomiting do to your body?
Excessive vomiting causes the body to lose water quickly. Severe cases of dehydration may need to be treated in the hospital. Injury to the food tube. The stomach acid that comes up with the vomit can damage the tube that connects the mouth and stomach (esophagus).
How does bulimia affect you?
Bulimia can affect mental and emotional health. Bulimia is a mental health condition. The feelings of guilt, shame, lack of control, and distorted body image that many people with bulimia experience seem to fuel the binge-purge cycle. The burden of keeping the condition secret may also cause a person to feel additional stress and anxiety.
What are the symptoms of bulimia?
Other mental health concerns that commonly affect people with bulimia include: major mood swings. depressive thoughts or actions. obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
Why does bulimia cause low heart rate?
A lack of nutrients can cause bodily processes to slow down in an attempt to conserve energy. Forced vomiting and diarrhea can disrupt body chemistry, which can lead to the following issues: low heart rate. low blood pressure.
What happens if you vomit and you have a swollen mouth?
Purging by self-induced vomiting can cause a few noticeable effects in the face and mouth, including: Tooth decay: Strong stomach acids may break down the gums and tooth enamel over time, which could lead to tooth sensitivity and cavities. Puffy cheeks: Puffy cheeks may be a sign of swollen salivary glands, called sialadenosis.
What are the symptoms of acid reflux in the esophagus?
Other possible digestive issues include diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.
Can bulimia affect mental health?
Bulimia can also disrupt a person’s mental and emotional health . The side effects of this condition may be life-threatening, especially if the individual does not receive treatment. In this article, learn about the signs of bulimia and its effects on the body.
Can bulimia cause heart failure?
Over time, an electrolyte imbalance in people with bulimia and other eating disorders may increase their risk of severe cardiovascular complications. These complications can include abnormal heart rhythms and heart failure.
What are the physical effects of bulimia?
The Physical Side Effects of Bulimia. Bulimia nervosa is characterized by purging habits, typically including vomiting, diuretic abuse, and laxative abuse . These behaviors can be incredibly painful and harmful to the body. The physical side effects of bulimia are sometimes difficult or impossible to treat. Many different organ systems in the body ...
What is eating disorder hope?
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Does bulimia cause chest pain?
Over time, the sphincter gets weak and stomach acid starts to repeatedly splash up into the esophagus. These physical side effects of bulimia cause an uncomfortable burning or chest pain sensation. In addition, acid reflux is very damaging to the lining of the esophagus and can lead to bleeding and scarring.
Does bulimia cause swollen salivary glands?
Swollen salivary glands (sialadenosis) Other physical side effects of bulimia are noticeable as well. For example, when someone has been vomiting on a daily basis for a time and stops suddenly, it’s very typical for the parotid salivary glands in front of the ears at the base of the jaw to swell, which makes the cheeks look swollen.
Is bulimia hard to treat?
The physical side effects of bulimia are sometimes difficult or impossible to treat. Many different organ systems in the body are affected by this eating disorder.
Does purging cause weight loss?
All forms of purging are likely to lead to dehydration. A large portion of perceived weight loss due to purging behaviors is actually from water losses in the body. If dehydration becomes severe enough, the patient is at risk for falls, loss of consciousness, confusion, or damage to the kidneys that can be permanent.
Can bulimia nervosa be treated?
Most of the problems highlighted here require treatment by a medical doctor, or dentist in the case of dental problems. Ultimately, recovery from bulimia nervosa is the only reliable method of preventing or healing these effects. For many patients, the occurrence of physical effects can serve as a wake-up call to the need for help and the importance of seeking treatment.
What is Bulimia Nervosa?
A person struggling with bulimia will often eat large amounts of food, called a binge, and then try to compensate for these calories by purging (self-induced vomiting), fasting, excessive exercise, or by taking laxatives or diuretics . This constant cycle of overeating and then compensating for the calories can cause harm to all parts of your body, and is often linked to mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
What is the death rate for bulimia?
Bulimia is a very serious mental disorder. While studies vary, one study published in the NCBI concludes that the bulimia death rate is at 3.9%.
Why do eating disorders happen?
Eating disorders are often misunderstood as an obsessive desire to be thin or to be more attractive to others. While it can certainly start this way, eating disorders have little to do with food or weight. Instead, eating disorders like bulimia happen as a way of coping with painful or difficult feelings or experiences difficult to put into words. Bulimia is a “red flag” that there are wounds much deeper that need to be addressed.
Can bulimia cause GI problems?
Ingesting foods and then forcing the body to bring it back up creates great strain on your digestive system. It is not unsual for people with active bulimia to present with complex GI problems that require care from a specialist. In many cases, when the eating has returned to a more normal state, the symptoms can abate quite dramatically. Pursuit of GI treatments with a doctor who is unaware of the eating disorder or who does not appreciate the medical consequences of the eating disorder can delay someone’s recovery.
Is bulimia normal weight?
Contrary to common thought, people suffering from bulimia are usually normal weight or even a bit above normal weight according to NAMI. There is a subtype of anorexia nervosa, called purging subtype where the individual restricts their intake routinely and then purges after eating. These individuals tend to be underweight and do not binge. They generally purge a small or relatively normal sized meal which is different than bulimia nervosa.
Is bulimia nervosa a serious illness?
Like many other eating disorders, bulimia nervosa is a serious disorder that can cause extreme harm or even death.
Can pregnant women binge?
Furthermore, pregnant women continue to binge and purge may face additional side effects for themselves and their babies including:
What are the dangers of bulimia?
The dangers of bulimia to hands include bruises, calluses, scarring and general injury. Other risks of bulimia include: Swelling due to the use of laxatives or diuretics. Muscle weakness, near paralysis. Loss of subcutaneous fat.
What are the effects of bulimia nervosa?
Easily identifiable effects of bulimia nervosa are found in the mouths and on the extremities of bulimics. Bulimic purging through vomiting damages the teeth through decalcification. This weakens and erodes teeth often causing cavities.
Why do people get bulimia?
Many people become bulimic, in part, due to a psychological disorder such as body dysmorphic disorder, depression or a personality disorder ( causes of bulimia ). Unfortunately bulimia only worsens any preexisting psychological disorders and may create additional psychological effects.
Is bulimia nervosa dangerous?
The effects of bulimia nervosa, a dangerous eating disorder, can sometimes be deadly. The cycle of binging and purging can affect major bodily functions like digestion and fertility. The overeating, associated with bulimia binging, dangerously stretches the stomach while bulimia purging affects the gums, teeth, esophagus and other parts of the body.
Is bulimia dangerous to the stomach?
Due to the repeated over-stretching of the stomach and the repeated exposure to stomach acid from vomiting, some of the most dangerous bulimia side effects are to the gastrointestin al (the stomach and intestines) system.
Can bulimia cause death?
Stress placed on the heart, lungs, kidneys and other systems by bulimia can ultimately result in death.
Does bulimia affect fertility?
Effects of Bulimia on Fertility. Bulimics commonly experience menstrual irregularities as a side effect of bulimia and in severe cases there may be a complete loss of menstruation. This impacts a woman's ability to get pregnant and bulimia may also affect a woman's ability to carry a child to term.
What are the consequences of bulimia nervosa?
As highlighted in this article, the consequences – both physical, psychological, and social – of bulimia nervosa are profound and take an enormous toll on the functioning of those affected by the disorder. Many of these consequences can be reversed if the disorder is adequately treated.
What are the psychological effects of bulimia nervosa?
Psychological Effects. The psychological consequences of bulimia nervosa are profound, debilitating, and can significant impact the functioning of those afflicted by the disorder. Common psychological effects of bulimia nervosa include: Depression: ~60% of with bulimia nervosa also have clinically significant depression 15.
What is the common behaviour of people with bulimia nervosa?
Alcohol and substance abuse: abusing alcohol or drugs are common behaviours in nearly 70% of people with bulimia nervosa 20. Fouladi F, Mitchell JE, Crosby RD, et al. Prevalence of alcohol and other substance use in patients with eating disorders.
Why is bulimia nervosa a consequence of binge eating?
And it is a consequence of the disorder because the repeated dietary failures that cause binge eating forces people to be extremely self-critical. Interestingly, self-esteem deficits in bulimia nervosa may even be lower than the self-esteem deficits observed in people with a depressive or anxiety disorder 22.
What is Bulimia nervosa?
Bulimia nervosa is a type of eating disorder that is becoming increasingly prevalent all over the world. According to the DSM-5 criteria 1. American Psychiatric Association. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.: DSM 5. Virginia: American Psychiatric Association; 2013.
Why is low self esteem a cause of bulimia?
It causes the disorder because it encourages people to achieve in the valued domain of weight and shape (the core psychopathology of bulimia nervosa) 21. Fairburn CG. Overcoming binge eating.
What is the best treatment for bulimia nervosa?
There are a range of evidence-based treatments for bulimia nervosa, including cognitive-behaviour therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and family therapy. It is recommended that you seek out resources to get in control of this disorder.
What are the symptoms of bulimia?
For example, somatic (i.e. relating to the body) symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, joint pain, menstrual issues, gastrointestinal problems and headaches may occur.
How do you know if you have bulimia?
One of the most obvious signs of bulimia is known as Russell’s sign. This is the result of the individual with bulimia frequently putting their finger down their throat to purge (vomit). When this is done on a constant basis, the person may develop callouses or scraped and raw sores on the back of their hands, specifically on the knuckles due to this area rubbing against the incisors. Repeated exposure to stomach acid during vomiting may also scar the skin on the fingers and hands.
What is bulimia cheeks?
Bulimia cheeks (Parotid and submandibular (salivary) gland hypertrophy (i.e. enlargement)) Those with bulimia may exhibit one of the most common signs of the eating disorder known as “ bulimia cheeks ”, also referred to as acute sialadenosis.
Which system is most commonly associated with bulimia nervosa?
Circulatory system . Renal complications and electrolytes – The complications linked to the imbalances of electrolytes (electrolytes are minerals and salts in the body that are responsible for conducting electrical impulses) that are most commonly associated with bulimia nervosa include 9:
What causes hair loss in the integumentary system?
These external parts of the body are often affected by bulimia. Complications associated with dehydration are the main underlying cause of the effects on the integumentary system. When dehydrated, the hair can become frizzy and dry, hair loss may also occur.
Can bulimia cause low blood pressure?
Those with bulimia will suffer from malnutrition as a result of laxative and diet pill abuse, as well as self-induced vomiting. This may lead to low blood pressure where the person will experience cold hands and feet, fainting, abnormal electrolyte levels, failure to ovulate (this results in missed periods in women), abnormal hormone levels and a delay in puberty. These will be discussed in detail in each of the relevant sections.
Is bulimia a life threatening condition?
Bulimia can be a life-threating condition and as will be discussed below, may affect a number of the body’s organs as a result of malnutrition. Malnutrition as a result of bulimia is a condition caused by a lack of nutrients in the body. Some of the symptoms of malnutrition include:
How does bulimia affect you?
Bulimia can have serious long-term effects on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Below, we discuss the major long-term risks, so you know what you, or someone you care about, will be dealing with. 8 Physical Effects of Bulimia.
What are the long term effects of bulimia?
2) Damage to the Teeth. One of the most common long-term side effects of bulimia is tooth damage and decay. Regular vomiting can erode the enamel of your teeth, causing decay, damage, and even tooth loss. Gum disease and long-term damage to the salivary glands in your mouth (the ones that produce saliva) are also potential issues.
What is bulimia 2021?
Medically Reviewed By: Deborah Horton. Bulimia is an eating disorder where the person who has it binges, or seriously overeats, then purges all the food they've consumed by vomiting or using laxatives. This binge-purge cycle is what defines bulimia, and it may happen several times a week, ...
Why is emotional health compromised?
In addition to mental health issues, emotional health can also be compromised long-term because eating disorders like bulimia can damage relationships and self-esteem. When damaged emotional health meets mental health problems like depression and anxiety, it often creates long-term issues like a history of self-harm, substance abuse, impulsiveness, and suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
Why does bulimia burn calories?
In bulimia, like in other eating disorders, the body doesn't get as much nutrition and calories as it requires to function optimally. Because the body is designed to keep you alive, your metabolism slows down, causing your body to burn fewer calories day-to-day.
Why do people with bulimia have low bone density?
Due to sustained levels of malnutrition, people recovering from bulimia may suffer from low bone density later in their lives and that can lead to fragile and broken bones as they grow older. They are particularly susceptible to this issue because bulimia often develops around puberty within the teen years when the body and skeletal system are still developing.
How to deal with bulimia?
The best way to deal with the long-term side effects of bulimia is to get professional treatment as soon as possible. The sooner treatment begins, the more likely you are to minimize the long-term damage. Since the person suffering from it often tries to hide their condition for as long as possible, the first step is to recognize that the problem exists.
What are the symptoms of bulimia?
But there are several that are more prominent or unique to bulimia, including: tooth enamel erosion. mouth sores. puffy cheeks. red or watery eyes. electrolyte imbalance. esophageal irritation and ulcers. lung problems due to aspiration of vomit. calluses or scarring on the knuckles (Russell’s sign)
Why do people with bulimia spend less time with their friends?
injuries due to overexercise. An individual with bulimia may reduce the amount of time they spend with friends and family in an attempt to hide the most obvious outward signs.
Is bulimia a family affair?
Categorised Bulimia Nervosa. Eating disorders are a family affair. Even though behaviors like bingeing and purging are conducted in secret, repercussions ripple throughout the family. Unsurprisingly, secrets prevent open communication, which harms interpersonal relationships. The nature of bulimia’s side effects can exacerbate this harm.
Can bulimia be diagnosed?
Sometimes bulimia is not diagnosed until one of its side effects is observed by a third party. For example, a trip to the dentist may reveal tooth erosion and mouth sores. This can be shocking for a parent who did not suspect any issues beyond typical teenage body image concerns and dieting.
Does bulimia affect family?
Because many people with bulimia do not have drastic weight changes, family may not notice a problem until the eating disorder is well-entrenched.
Does bulimia cause isolation?
Both bingeing and purging are done in secret, necessitating withdrawal from other people. The resulting isolation is multiplied over time, as the disorder wreaks havoc on personal relationships. And because bingeing and purging serve as a coping mechanism for difficult feelings and even past traumas, the need to distract and numb with food increases as personal connections wane. Ironically, the interpersonal connections that can help with recovery are specifically shunned by the person with an eating disorder.
