Side Effects of Bulimia in Long-term Recovery

Contributor: By Rita Ekelman MBA, RDN, LDN, Director of Nutrition Services, Timberline Knolls

Bulimia nervosa is an extremely dangerous disease. The truth is that the human body was never meant to ingest enormous amounts of food and then be called upon to purge that food. Vomiting was intended to function as an escape mechanism; if a person ate something that was harmful, the body would expel it. Forcing the human body to repeatedly vomit for months or even years can result in many long-term physical and medical consequences. 

Reversing the Damage

Permanent dental problems are not uncommon. Women may have to have dentures or partial dentures. Tooth loss and excessive cavities and other dental problems are typical. Some people may have to be on soft diets related to the dental issues and swallowing difficulties forever.

Years of purging can wreak havoc on the esophageal lining; therefore, those who struggle with significant bulimia often can’t consume foods high in acid content. In severe cases, women can develop dysphasia and/or involuntary regurgitation of food.

Some of those who suffered from bulimia have also abused laxatives for many years. In turn, there are a lot of ongoing bowel and gut issues with these since the intestines don’t know how to function without laxative support.

In worst-case scenarios, women can experience Barrett’s Esophagus (which results from chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease), heart issues, digestive issues, as well as kidney and nerve damage.

The bad news in terms of bulimia is that the long-term physical and medical consequences can be devastating. But as always, the good news is that complete and lasting recovery is possible. What’s more, the sooner an individual gets into recovery, the better the chances are for her to rectify the harm that has been done and improve the outlook for her future.

About the author: Rita is the Director of Nutrition Services at Timberline Knolls Residential Treatment Center.  Rita received her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, from Dominican University. She also earned a Master’s of Business Administration in Healthcare Administration from Dominican University. Rita is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the Behavioral Health Dietetic Practice Group, Clinical Nutrition Management, the Weight Management Dietetic Practice Group, and the Commissions on the Dietetic Registration.

The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders.  These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer a discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.  We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors.  If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.  

Last Updated & Reviewed By: Baxter Ekern, MBA, on April 9, 2024. Published on EatingDisorderHope.com