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The Medical Complications of Purging Behaviours Associated With Eating Disorders
Dennis Gibson1,2, Kristin Sterrett1,2, Swathi Nemani1,2
1ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition at Denver Health, Denver, Colorado, USA.
Summary
Purging behaviors in eating disorders cause serious medical issues affecting all body systems. These health problems are typically reversible with treatment and stopping purging.
Area of Science:
- Medical Complications
- Eating Disorders
- Purging Behaviors
Background:
- Purging behaviors are a common symptom of eating disorders.
- These behaviors can lead to a wide range of medical complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the medical complications linked to purging behaviors.
- To outline recommended treatments for these complications.
Main Methods:
- A thorough literature review was conducted.
- The review included studies up to May 2024.
Main Results:
- Medical complications from purging affect every body system.
- Complications can be related to the method/frequency of purging or independent of it.
Conclusions:
- Purging behaviors in eating disorders lead to significant medical complications.
- These complications are generally reversible with cessation of purging, weight restoration, and treatment of the eating disorder.
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