Bulimia Nervosa

Medical complications of bulimia nervosa and their treatments

Eating and Weight Disorders - Studies on Anorexia, Bulimia and Obesity
By Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to thoroughly review the medical complications associated with bulimia nervosa and their evidenced-based or typical treatments.

Methods: A thorough review of medical literature to cull pertinent and best articles which guide the diagnosis and treatment of the medical complications of bulimia nervosa was performed.

Results: There are many different medical complications of bulimia nervosa which are caused by the mode and frequency of purging. Some are fluid and electrolyte alterations from the utilized mode of purging and some are due to the local damaging effects of purging behaviors on those body sites.

Conclusion: Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health disorder which has many medical complications associated with it. Most are reversible with treatment.

DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40519-015-0201-4
Written by
Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS

Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS

Dr. Mehler founded ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders & Severe Malnutrition in 2001. He began his career at Denver Health more than 35 years ago and was formerly its Chief of Internal Medicine and…

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