How is making yourself throw up to get thin bad for your health?

Answer 1

Ask your mother or doctor

Answer 2

What medical complications can bulimia have?

The medical complications that result from bulimia are generally due to continual bingeing and purging. The type of purging behavior used can have varied effects on different body systems.

Self-induced vomiting can result in oral complications. Repeated exposure to acidic gastric contents can erode tooth enamel, increase dental cavities, and create a sensitivity to hot or cold food. Swelling and soreness in the salivary glands (such as the parotid glands in the cheeks) from repeated vomiting can also be a concern.

The esophagus and the colon are the areas most affected by bulimic behaviors. Repeated vomiting can result in ulcers, ruptures, or strictures of the esophagus. Acid that backs up from the stomach (reflux) can also become a problem.

As with anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders, irregular menstrual periods may result from malnutrition or weight fluctuations associated with bulimia.

There are a number of intestinal and systemic complications. The misuse of diuretics can create an abnormal buildup of fluid (edema). Continual use of laxatives can result in dependency on them and can cause the normal elimination process to become dysfunctional. Loss of normal colonic function can necessitate surgical intervention in some cases. Restoration of normal bowel function may take weeks after the misuse has been discontinued. The misuse of diuretics and laxatives combined can place the bulimic at great risk for electrolyte imbalance, which can have life-threatening consequences. The complex physical and chemical processes involved in the maintenance of life can be disrupted with serious consequences by the continuation of bulimic and purging behaviors. Additional complications can affect an unborn fetus of a practicing bulimic or the infant of an active bulimic mother. Psychological problems can escalate to serious levels if untreated and interfere with the restoration of normal body functions.

Answer 3

Repeated vomiting causes a loss of stomach contents and because this includes the acid secretions that are needed for digestion it leads to changes of body chemistry. Laxative abuse causes similar distortion of chemistry and the two behaviours together are most likely to be dangerous. Major disturbance of the blood chemistry, particularly loss of potassium, and rupture of the stomach are occasional causes of sudden death but fortunately this is rare unless the behaviour is extreme. Acid from the stomach constantly washing over the teeth dissolves the enamel which will cause lasting damage particularly to the four central upper teeth. Irregularity of the menstrual cycle is common and sometimes it stops altogether. There is an association of ovarian cysts with the illness that is likely to reduce fertility but most are able to conceive normally once they are recovered. As with all eating disorders the greatest risks are from suicide or self harm as a result of feelings of depression and hopelessness.

Answer 4

Very bad...besides the fact that it's gross and doesn't work, it can rot your teeth and eventually, if it gets bad enough, you may not be able to ever keep anything down without throwing it up.
If you want to lose weight, eat several healthy small meals through out the day, ride your bike, go on walks, jog a little and maybe do some light weights. Just be healthy and enjoy your life!!!

Answer 5

First of all, you wont actually lose any weight that way.

More importantly, it damages your teeth and your digestive system. When you throw up the acid that is in your stomach is forced out of your stomach and then out of your mouth. Your stomach acid is so strong that it can eat through your hand. Your stomach is constantly reproducing a thick thick mucus to protect itself. Your upper digestive track and teeth have no protection against this acid. Repeated episodes of throwing up leads to massive amounts of damage in those area.s

Also, the pressure changes that occur throughout the body while throwing up, when they happen repeatedly can damage your heart. It is not uncommon for bulimics to have heart attacks because of throwing up all the time.

Answer 6

well as you can think... you don't get any food in. that means you don't get any minerals and vitamins that your body needs. you can suffer from liver failure and other organs also fail. if your a girl then after a while your chances of having children someday is also affected. your breath will stink as well and your teeth may rot or get brittle as your stomach acid also comes up and makes your teeth weak... i know we all want to be thin and we all try throwing up but really...is it worth it??

if you wanna lose weight.. combine healthy eating with some exercise!!good luck!!

Answer 7

have you been living under a rock??
first of all....you are starving yourself and will begin to suffer the effects of malnutrition.
second of all...the acid in your stomach will begin to eat away at your esophagus, teeth, etc.
it is also damages your heart and other organs.

if you are thinking about doing this to lose weight...GO TALK TO SOMEONE so you can get help!!! throwing up is not good for your body. and you need to tell a parent, friend, guidance counselor, doctor, someone, anyone, so that they can get you the help you need.

your best bet to losing weight is through diet and exercise...no pills, no gimmicks...plain and simple....eating healthy (at least 3 balanced meals a day) and exercising.

Answer 8

It badly damages the enamel on your teeth and can make you lose them! It can cause strokes. It also hurts the esophagus and even the stomach itself and often results in bleeding ulcers. Many have literally bled to death from it. I suggest you speak with your physician about this. I am anorexic, though I no longer binge/purge, and I know full well what it means and what it can do to your health. I urge you to get help if you have this problem. I also urge you to get help for your friend if he/she has this problem. I feel MUCH better now that I sought help for my anorexia.

Answer 9

The acid from throwing up wreaks your esophagus and makes you very very sick. You become malnourished and dehydrated. Your hair falls out. You are more susceptible to gum disease.

Consequences of bulimia nervosa:
Malnutrition
Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalance
Hyponatremia
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies
Teeth erosion and cavities, gum disease
Sialadenosis (salivary gland swelling)
Potential for gastric rupture during periods of bingeing
Esophageal reflux
Irritation, inflammation, and possible rupture of the esophagus
Laxative dependence
Peptic ulcers and pancreatitis
Emetic toxicity due to ipecac abuse
Swelling of the face and cheeks
Callused or bruised fingers
Dry or brittle skin, hair, and nails, or hair loss
Lanugo
Edema
Muscle atrophy
Decreased/increased bowel activity
Digestive problems that may be triggered, including Celiac, Crohn's Disease
Low blood pressure, hypotension
Orthostatic hypotension
High blood pressure, hypertension
Iron deficiency, anemia
Hormonal imbalances
Hyperactivity
Depression
Insomnia
Amenorrhea
Infertility
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
High risk pregnancy, miscarriage, still-born babies
Diabetes
Elevated blood sugar or hyperglycemia
Ketoacidosis
Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Weakness and fatigue
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cancer of the throat or voice box
Liver failure
Kidney infection and failure
Heart failure, heart arrhythmia, angina
Seizure
Paralysis
Potentially death caused by heart attack or heart failure; lung collapse; internal bleeding, stroke, kidney failure, liver failure; pancreatitis, gastric rupture, perforated ulcer, depression and suicide.

Answer 10

Not to mention it doesn't work. By the time you get around to throwing up you've already absorbed so much of the food you've already eaten. This is a known fact that it doesn't help you lose weight. Bullemics are usually average or over weight.

Answer 11

You don't get a chance to get all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs...Also, good luck with that because it also causes your teeth to rot out because of all the stomach acid. AND you could be able to no longer speak because yet again, that stomach acid will eat everything away....