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Bulimia is an eating disorder that can significantly affect one’s psychological and physical health. The adverse effects on well-being can be short-term, but the longer an eating disorder like bulimia continues untreated, the higher the risk for serious long-term effects.
What are the Psychological Effects of Bulimia?
Individuals suffering from bulimia go through an incredible amount of psychological turmoil. They often experience feelings of shame, guilt, self-loathing, isolation, and a loss of control. In addition, they experience fear on many levels—fear of gaining weight, fear of being found out, and fear of the physical consequences of their disorder. These feelings can lead to or worsen depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide.
This psychological toll is a lot for anyone to carry. The good news is the treatment for bulimia addresses emotional health and can help individuals heal mentally and physically.
What are the Physical Effects of Bulimia?
There are various physical effects of bulimia; some are quite severe and even life-threatening. Some, or possibly all, of these effects can resolve with restored nutrition. However, the longer bulimia is left untreated, the higher the risk of a long-term or permanent impact on your health and body.
The physical effects of bulimia depend on what behaviors you use to compensate for binge eating. Behaviors used to prevent weight gain after binge eating include purging by self-inducing vomiting, using enemas or laxatives, excessive exercise, and fasting. The physical effects associated with these behaviors include the following:
- Tooth decay: stomach acid weakens and erodes tooth enamel
- Esophageal erosion: stomach acid damages and weakens the esophagus
- Esophageal rupture: a life-threatening event caused by prolonged damage of the esophagus
- Russel’s sign: calluses that form on the knuckles as the skin is damaged during self-induced vomiting
- Swelling of the parotid glands: the salivary glands become overactive due to frequent vomiting
- Irritable bowel syndrome: laxative and enema use disrupt regular bowel patterns causing constipation, diarrhea, or both
- Heart disease: electrolyte imbalances caused by purging cause the heart to beat irregularly or even fail
- Kidney failure: severe dehydration from purging causes damage to the kidneys which can be irreversible
What are the Long-Term Risks Associated with Bulimia?
Short-term risks like dehydration and gastric reflux, which cause symptoms like sore throat, dry lips and mouth, and constipation, are reversible. The long-term risks, however, are often irreversible. Left untreated, a person with bulimia faces more serious medical complications such as kidney and heart failure.
Even for individuals experiencing long-term effects, it’s never too late to seek medical help and treatment for an eating disorder. Many medical interventions can help people deal with the more significant health issues resulting from bulimia and improve their quality of life.
How Can I Tell If Someone Close to Me is Suffering from Bulimia?
Many people suffering from bulimia are often average weight or overweight, so physical changes may not stand out as a red flag that something is wrong. Signs to watch out for are more related to behaviors:
- Avoiding gatherings that involve food
- Excessive exercising
- Frequently using the bathroom after meals
- Isolating oneself from family or friends
- Overcutting and chewing food excessively
- Skipping meals
It’s important to share your concerns with your loved one. When you have that conversation, do so in a calm and supportive way, avoiding blame or judgment, and offer your assistance in helping them explore treatment options.
How Can I Get Help for Bulimia?
Reaching out for help and learning about treatment options is an essential step toward recovery. There are many successful therapies used to treat bulimia. At Magnolia Creek, a team of highly trained eating disorder professionals that can provide you with the appropriate treatment for your eating disorder will support you. Contact us today at 205-409-4220 to learn more about how our team can help you or your loved one.
Resources
Bulimia Guide. (n.d.) General Information. https://bulimiaguide.org/general_information/
National Alliance on Mental Illness. (2023). Eating Disorders. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Eating-Disorders
Sato, Y. & Fukudo, S. (2015). “Gastrointestinal symptoms and disorders in patients with eating disorders.” Clinical Journal of Gastroenterology, 8, 255-263. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12328-015-0611-x
The Bulimia Project. (2023). Welcome to The Bulimia Project. https://bulimia.com/
Author Bio:
Kate Delaney Chen, BSN, RN-BC is a healthcare writer and registered nurse with over 17 years of bedside experience. She specializes in Psychiatric Nursing and Nephrology and currently works at nationally recognized inpatient Eating Disorders Program.
