Most laxative abuse is done with stimulant laxatives, like Ex-Lax. These drugs work by stimulating contractions in the colon to pass stools along. When laxatives do finally reach the large intestine, most food and calories have already been absorbed by the small intestine.
A study compared purgers who used laxatives to those who used self-induced vomiting, and found both groups were about the same weight, however, the group that purged by vomiting ate far more food.
Research links laxative abuse to more severe eating disorder symptoms, greater suicidality, and increased self-harm. Laxative abuse could itself be a form of self-harm, the research suggests. Overuse of laxatives is abusive to the body. Constipation is common because the colon stops regularly working without laxatives; dehydration and edema occur from intestinal fluid loss.
Chronic diarrhea caused by laxative abuse creates imbalances in electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and chloride, that exist in very specific amounts for nerves and muscles to work. Internal organ damage can result, and chronic laxative abuse may increase risk of colon cancer. People abusing laxative may have difficulty quitting them because of the constipation that normally occurs.
But, they should stop immediately unless their doctor recommends otherwise. People may consider a dietician to help with the process, and a therapist to process feelings during and after the experience.
Even self-induced vomiting has shown to only relieve the body of some of the calories ingested as it readily and quickly absorbs the nutrients and vitamins needed from food to be used as energy, regardless of how soon after eating the vomiting takes place. This is due to the fact that the process of absorption of food starts in the mouth, it then continues in the oesophagus, and finally, in the stomach.
Therefore, even if someone vomits up all of the contents of their stomach, a number of calories have already been absorbed. The same principle pertains to the use of laxatives.
Research has shown that vomiting may further encourage the acts of larger quantities of food being eaten when bingeing and overeating, leading to weight gain. The individual suffering from bulimia will have a false sense of security that purging will effectively eliminate all of the calories eaten.
This thinking fuels further bingeing and larger quantities of food being binged on. Weight that is easily lost due to fasting, can easily be regained in a short amount of time. Some complications of excessive exercise include muscle tears, increased injury risk, a weakened immune system and heart problems.
Those suffering from bulimia need to realise that methods of purging are unable to compensate for the calories eaten, and are, by no means, ways to wipe the slate clean. Both purging and non-purging methods put a great deal of pressure on the body. Journal of Eating Disorders. This can make you feel weak and dizzy, or cause fainting. Also, the water that is lost when you use diuretics has important minerals and electrolytes.
Your organs may not work properly. Some other side effects of diuretic abuse are kidney damage, dehydration, abnormal heart beat, dizziness and constipation. Compulsive Exercising Some people with an eating disorder use exercise as a way to control their weight.
They may feel that they can only eat if they have finished their exercises. These people over-exercise, or do more physical activity than they need to stay healthy or fit. They may not feel happy or satisfied, but their exercise schedule becomes very important to them.
They may begin to feel driven or compelled to exercise, and choose exercise over almost all other activities. You can damage your body with over-exercising, especially if that is combined with poor eating. The body is under a lot of stress because it is not getting the energy it needs to be so active.
There is also no time for the body to rest, heal and recharge between workouts. Female athletes who take part in sports such as dance, gymnastics, or marathons are at high risk of over-exercising. Compulsive exercise is a sign of a serious eating disorder. If you, or someone you know, is exercising compulsively to lose weight, you should get help from a medical professional immediately. They recommend some very dangerous behaviours.
They talk as if anorexia nervosa or bulimia are lifestyle choices rather than disorders. The sites have chat rooms and blogs where people support each other in staying anorexic or bulimic and refusing treatment. These websites often include:. There has been research on teenagers with eating disorders who visit these sites. It shows they spend less time on schoolwork, and more time in hospital, compared to teenagers who were in treatment for an eating disorder who did not visit these sites.
It is important for families, friends and healthcare professionals to be aware of these sites. Visiting pro-eating disorder websites can prevent someone with an eating disorder from seeking the help and treatment they need. It looks like you're using an old version of Internet Explorer. For the best experience, please update your browser. Update Internet Explorer or learn how to browse happy.
If you would like to continue to the site using your current browser, click here. Are you in crisis? Contact the Crisis Line from anywhere in BC no area code needed : Read Our Stories.
Watch Our YouTube Channel. Bulimia is an eating disorder that involves binge eating and purging. But there are many other symptoms associated with the condition. Bulimia nervosa is a common eating disorder. But there's more to this condition than what's portrayed in the media. We answer several frequently asked…. Do you have patients that struggle with binge eating associated with binge eating disorder or bulimia nervosa?
Treatment of bulimia can be challenging.
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