Osteoporosis and Bulimia

Contributor: Crystal Karges, MS, RDN, IBCLC, Special Projects Coordinator at Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope

Many people might associate brittle or thinning bones with aging, elderly individuals. Osteoporosis, or thinning bones, is a condition in which the bones in the body become weak, fragile, and more susceptible to breaking or fracturing.

The reality is that this condition can occur in any individual who may be malnourished due to a prolonged eating disorder, including women and men across the ages.

Weight Is Not a Singular Defining Factor for an Eating Disorder

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that is characterized by reoccurring episodes of bingeing and purging. Due to the many misconceptions about eating disorders, it is often assumed that an individual who is severely underweight qualifies as having an eating disorder, as if this is the only criterion for these mental health illnesses.

However, weight is not a singularly defining factor for eating disorders. Many people who struggle with bulimia nervosa are at a normal weight, or may even be considered overweight or obese.

Is the Risk of Osteoporosis Higher?

Is it possible for women and men with bulimia to be at risk for developing osteoporosis? Due to the harsh nature of bulimia, the medical complications that result are quite damaging to the body.

The repeated acts of purging can cause dehydration, damage the endocrine glands, interfere with digestion and absorption of crucial nutrients and cause low bone density. These consequences of bulimia can cause brittle bones and ultimately, osteoporosis.

Assessing Your Bone Health and Getting Help

If you have been suffering with bulimia, it is important to assess your bone health and determine what you can do to allow your body to heal. The best way for allowing your bones the chance to repair is by ending bulimic behaviors. This is of course, a process that requires professional assistance and treatment in order to find recovery.

Working with a treatment team can also help assess if you are at risk for osteoporosis. Having a DEXA Scan or bone mineral density test can help assess how dense bones are and whether or not osteoporosis is present. This information can be helpful to a professional treatment team in deciding which treatment steps will be most beneficial for recovery.

Bulimia can lead to damaging health consequences, including osteoporosis, which can severely impact quality of life for years to come. If you are battling with bulimia, be sure to reach out for the help you need to begin your journey to recovery and healing today.

Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!

Have you been treated for osteoporosis in your recovery from bulimia? What has

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on June 11th, 2015
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com