Physical and Psychological Effects of Bulimia Nervosa

There are many significant medical complications associated with Bulimia Nervosa. In Bulimia Nervosa, these complications are a direct result of binge episodes, self-induced vomiting and laxative (a medicine that helps you have a bowel movement) and medication abuse. Such consequences can be severe, potentially irreversible and life threatening. 

Physical effects associated with Bulimia Nervosa include: 

• Frequent weight fluctuations 

• Dental erosion and decay (wearing away of the protective outer layer of the teeth), dry mouth, bad breath, gum disease, swelling around cheeks or salivary glands (‘chipmunk-face’) 

• Irregular or slow heart beat, sudden cardiac arrest and even heart failure and death 

• Menstrual loss or disruption in females 

• Fertility issues 

• Fainting, dizziness, fatigue and lethargy casued by electrolye imbalance (change in the levels of important minerals in the body, such as potassium and sodium)

• Dehydration 

• Constipation, diarrhoea, wind, bloating, cramps and bowel problems 

• Stomach ulcers, pain or stomach rupture (tear or break in the wall of the stomach)

• Increased risk of oesophageal, stomach or bowel cancers 

• Calluses on hands, dry skin 

• Chronic sore throat, indigestion, heartburn, reflux, inflamed or possible rupture of oesophasgus 

Psychological effects associated with Bulimia Nervosa include: 

• Anxiety 

• Depression 

• Irritability and mood swings 

• Preoccupation (obsession) with food and weight 

• Low self esteem, body image 

• Feelings of shame, disgust or guilt, particularly following a binge 

• Urge to binge 

• Extreme body dissatisfaction 

• Social withdrawal and loneliness 

• Self-harm, substance abuse, suicidal ideation and increased risk of suicide 

Children and adolescents are prone to a number of medical complications associated with bulimia nervosa. Complications can persist and worsen if not treated, with the possibility of lifelong disease and illness due to disordered eating and compensatory behaviours. Below is a list of complications that should be considered when assessing young people with eating problems: 

• Dental enamel erosion (due to vomiting) 

• Irregular menstrual periods and an increased risk of infertility 

• Stomach rupture 

• Heart failure and cardiac issues 

• Scarring on the backs of hands 

• Oesophagus inflammation 

• Swollen salivary glands 

• Increased risk for suicidal behaviour, clinical depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, substance abuse, anxiety, and other psychiatric illnesses