Bulimia, also known as bulimia nervosa, is a serious and potentially life-threatening eating disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic. When you are bulimic, you may have frequent episodes of binge eating (consuming larger amounts of food than normal) and purging (self-induced vomiting). People with bulimia may be preoccupied with body image and purge food to avoid weight gain. If you or someone you know is bulimic, you should educate yourself about its dangerous side effects.
Physical Side Effects
Bulimia can wreak havoc on your entire body. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that constant purging may lead to tooth erosion, gum problems, cavities and stomach problems. You may also retain water, have low potassium levels. Women may have irregular periods. This forceful vomiting can also lead to swallowing problems and rupture of the esophagus.
Psychological Side Effects
The Mayo Clinic states bulimia nervosa can also affect your mental state. You may suffer from depression, anxiety and have suicidal thoughts or behaviors. In some cases, you may cope with your disease by abusing drugs and even alcohol. Many bulimia suffers may also smoke to decrease weight gain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Impulsiveness is another common psychological side effect of bulimia. For example, you may engage in risky sexual behaviors or obsessively steal (kleptomania).
Death
If left untreated, bulimia nervosa may lead to death. Repeated vomiting can deprive the body of essential nutrients and potassium. Without nutrients, you become malnourished. Without potassium, your heart can develop arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), which can lead to heart failure, according to the Mayo Clinic.
