Effects of bulimia
The human body is not made to withstand frequent vomiting, and bulimia leads to many negative consequences. These include:
- Dizziness
- Swelling or soreness of cheeks
- Dehydration, low potassium,magnesium,and sodium
- Cavities, tooth enamel erosion, gum disease, teeth sensitive to hot and cold foods
- Anemia
- Sore, irritated throat, can tear and rupture
- Blood in vomit
- Stomach ulcers, pain, can rupture, delayed emptying
- Irregular heartbeat, heart muscle weakened, low pulse, low blood pressure, heart failure (death)
- Abrasion of knuckles, dry skin (from teeth)
- Irregular or no period
- Constipation, irregular bowel movements, bloating, diarrhea, abdominal cramping
Main symptoms of bulimia
Bulimia has four main symptoms. Keep in mind that bulimics do not usually look malnourished but are still very unhealthy.
- A bulimic person may eat thousands of calories in one meal
- May feel embarrassed, scared or disgusted by the overeating
- Most will vomit the food, but some do an unhealthy amount of exercise, laxatives, or diuretics
- Fear of being fat or gaining weight