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What are the Health Risks of Bulimia Nervosa?

There are many serious health risks associated with bulimia. Bingeing and purging, particularly recurrent and/or chronic episodes, have profound negative effects on the body’s systems.

Specific health risks of bulimia include:

  • Cardiac complications (irregular heartbeat and heart failure stemming from electrolyte imbalances)

  • Dehydration

  • Edema (stemming from periods of purging cessation)

  • Loss of potassium, sodium and chloride from the body

  • Ulcers, pancreatitis

  • Esophageal inflammation and/rupture (resulting from vomiting)

  • “Bulimia teeth” or tooth decay and staining (caused by stomach acids/frequent vomiting)

  • Digestive irregularity (chronic irregular bowel movements and constipation, stemming from laxative abuse)

  • Fatigue, muscle weakness (from over-exercise)

  • Risks associated with diabulimia (manipulating insulin for weight loss), including organ damage and peripheral neuropathy

Recovery from bulimia is possible — with treatment

Bulimia side-effects and health risks can be serious and long-lasting — even life-threatening. Help is available at Eating Recovery Center — at specialized eating disorder clinics around the nation.

Bulimia treatment includes both medical and psychiatric intervention as well as the support of a specially-trained dietitian to ensure that you are safely transitioning to healthy, life-sustaining nourishment. And lastly, intensive therapy is needed so that you can identify what’s driving your illness and how you can adopt new, healthy behaviors.

If you or someone you know is suffering from bulimia, please call 877-825-8584 to schedule a free consultation with an Eating Recovery Center Masters-level clinician. All calls are confidential.

Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center are accredited through the Joint Commission. This organization seeks to enhance the lives of the persons served in healthcare settings through a consultative accreditation process emphasizing quality, value and optimal outcomes of services.

Organizations that earn the Gold Seal of Approval™ have met or exceeded The Joint Commission’s rigorous performance standards to obtain this distinctive and internationally recognized accreditation. Learn more about this accreditation here.

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