Those who use vomiting to purge often get calluses or scrapes on the backs of their hands from constantly scraping them on their teeth. Constant vomiting also causes teeth and gum diseases. Repeated bingeing and purging throws off natural controls of feeling full. This reinforces bingeing because the person must eat until they cannot physically hold any more to feel full. The purging can lead to effects of starvation including mood swings, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and depression.
Laxatives actually cause rebound fluid retention making people feel bloated.
Some of these complications can lead to heart irregularities or heart failure. Many therapies have been found effective at treating Bulimia Nervosa. Often, a therapist will use a combination of approaches. These kind of behavioral and thinking changes often help people resist the urge to binge and purge. Psychodynamic Therapy with a focus on self-concept.