When food is purged through vomiting, laxatives, or diuretics, the body goes into starvation mode. Metabolism slows down and any available nutrients that the body is allowed to keep are turned into fat, the very thing that bulimics dread. Chronic use of laxatives can cause serious health problems. Moreover, they are not even an effective purging method because they eliminate less than 15 percent of the total caloric intake. Diuretics produce virtually no loss of calories, only loss of vital body fluids.
Vomiting can result in permanent tooth decay, rupture of the esophagus, or bleeding of the throat.
Syrup of Ipecac should never be used to induce vomiting because it contains a toxic substance, which accumulates in the body and can cause cardiac arrest. All forms of purging can result in malnutrition. Information can be obtained from the addresses that are listed on the back of this pamphlet. Let the person know you are concerned in a gentle, caring, non-judgmental way. The individual with bulimia is often experiencing a great deal of emotional pain.