The majority range in age from teens to mid-thirties. Bulimia takes a toll on the body. Vomiting can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. The resulting low potassium can cause urinary tract infections, kidney failure, and heart irregularities. Laxative abuse can damage the colon and slow the intestinal tract.
Water pills can cause dehydration and low potassium.
A bulimic may complain of chronic indigestion, facial puffiness, sore throats, constipation muscle weakness, irregular menses, and fatigue. Her personality profile finds her feeling alienated, over-dependent on the approval of others, finding difficulty in expressing anger, and low self esteem. Her time is spent buying huge quantities of food and laxatives and then finding a secretive place to eat and purge. She lives in fear of her secret being discovered. Treatment involves psychotherapy, behavior modification, family therapy, medication, and nutrition intervention.