Is limited use of purging as part of a weight loss plan bad?

Question

A friend of mine who has about 50 pounds to lose is thinking of vomiting about 3 times a week (to get rid of about 1000 caloires each time), in conjuction with some dieting and exercise. My friend is pointing out out that this is not at all bulimia -- she is just trying to lose some weight. She has done lots of research, and will be doing things to prevent the various side effects (eg from the acid, electrolyte imbalance, etc). She did point out that at 3 times a week, the side effects won't be that bad regardless, but she is still going to address them.

At first I was telling her this was a bad idea, but after talking with her, it really seems like not a bad option. Obviously if you are puking 5 times a day it is a bad idea, but as part of a weight loss program that includes cutting out sugar, high fat foods, and exercise... I don't know. It seems like she's making a good point.... I'm thinking her choice makes sense. What do you think?

Answer 1

That's a lot of damage to the esophagus and teeth.
Not healthy at all.

Answer 2

It sounds like a good idea, really... but you'll do it those few times a week. And it'll feel amazing. You're going to feel great about yourself, and feel empty and proud. So, you'll think "Another time a week won't hurt." and it'll get worse. I know it doesn't seem like it, but purging has been proven to be addictive. Bullimics don't want to do it, but they feel they 'have' to.

I think that the fact that you are trying to lose weight and purging is a bad combination. It's the pretense for an eating disorder. You might think "That'll never happen to me. I don't hate myself. I don't hate my body. I don't want to starve, ect." but your mind changes over time. Losing weight and purging is VERY addictive.

I hope this doesn't sound mean. Purging does work at first. It will help you lose weight. But then you'll binge, because one day after you purge, you'll feel SO hungry. You'll binge and then purge that. You won't be able to stop. It'll control your life. Go on a diet, eat healthier.. that's all fine. But in the long run, you'll wish you never started.

If you have any more question, or if you still want to do this and need to talk, I'll answer anything and listen without going against it, especially if you really want it. I know about this from experience.

By the way, purging only gets rid of 10-50% of calories, and that's only if you do it RIGHT afterwards. It also causes you to become hungrier. That is why most bullimics gain weight over time.

Answer 3

Anytime you interfere with the normal functions of the body it is a bad idea. Purging not only effects the esophagus and teeth as mentioned above, but there are risks associated with it. For example, when you vomit you risk getting fluid into your airway and cause what's known as aspiration pneumonia. By purging you also are effecting your bile levels in the stomach which contribute to other health conditions. No matter how much "research" your friend has done, if you ask any qualified physician they will tell you that it is not a good idea. Whether it's once a week or once an hour, your friend was diagnosed with bulimia as soon as she induced vomiting the first time.

Answer 4

Well what a stupid way to lose weight---tell her to try the salad bar and eat nothing but healthy food and less crap. Vomiting 3 times a week will put acids in the esophagas that will eat away at the throat and burn what doesn't ever need to be burned. What research is she doing?? Not a sane doctor in the world would recommend throwing up 3 times a week. Normal meals and exercize--even just walking--will help rid the 50 pounds safely....and at a proper rate of loss. No diet should start without a visit to the doctor--discuss the plans that he will recommend--and I bet you a million dollars he won't include puking in the instructions.

Answer 5

Yes! This is a bad idea. For starters, purging is addictive; she may begin with a limited routine, but it will likely become a daily practice. Also, throwing up food (when one isn't sick) actually makes a person hungrier, often causing them to eat soon after. This causes a person to gain more weight because the calories of the purged meal do not all disappear, leaving empty calories but no actual nutrients. When the person eats again, they will be consuming the calories of two meals. Plus it's bad for your body; it can damage your teeth, stomach, and esophogas, as well as cause random unwanted uncontrollable vomiting. I would advise you to tell your friend to eat well and excercise; this will serve her much better in the long run!

Answer 6

Absolutely not. I would say it's a terrible idea. The very fact that she is planning on it is disturbing to me. Purging at all is a very bad idea, and I very much doubt it would be as regulated as she says. Purging is not the activity of a mentally healthy individual and I would encourage her to address the issues leading her to consider this and to seek counseling.

This is not to say she's crazy; I generally think that nearly everyone could benefit from some counseling time. I just think this signifies possible problems that should be nipped in the bud.

Answer 7

Not a great idea, as there are better ways to control weight. Purging doesn't get rid of any calories other than those you just ate. Eating sensible meals and exercise are better options. If you aren't eating lots of calories, why would you need to throw them up?

It also seems like a method that could lead to anorexia, as one will be getting used to purging. It might become too tempting.

Answer 8

She should not purge as from my understanding purging can be addictive when results are seen. People purge as a means to control something in their lives in her case its her weight and her poorly thought out will not work.
She needs to first eat healthier foods, buy a health food cookbook and religiously stick to the foods that they tell you to eat. She then needs to develop some sort of an exercise program that will work for her and seek your support and motivation. It is as simple as that. Lose weight the right way.

Eat what you need
Cut back or maintain a healthy caloric intake
Exercise daily ( something aerobic and strengthening)
Discipline yourself and repeat everyday. Good luck.

Answer 9

gastric acid burns. Plain and simple. If you're going to vomit up your last meal, why not just skip that meal in the first place, and avoid the risk? It's a waste of time, money, and effort to eat and then chuck. It's also insulting to the cook, not to mention bad breathe, etc.

Instead of vomiting 1000 calories 3 times a week ( assuming 1000 calories = 1 meal), that's 21 000 calories - 3000 = 18000 per week. Why not just eat an 850 calorie meal instead? That's like cutting out half a dessert per meal, or one glass of milk per meal.

Answer 10

It's dangerous,apart from the risk of choking it could be the start of the slippery slope to bulimia.Instead of purging 3 times a week, which will lose no weight at all,tell her to drink plenty of water, watch what she eats and get more exercise.
Now for the fun bit,if vomiting 3 times week will get rid of 3000 cals,what the heck is she eating for it to come out at the rate of 1000cals a vomit?

Answer 11

Yes, it's bad. It's always bad. How about not putting that extra 1000 calories into your body in the first place? Seems like a much simpler solution to me.

Also, vomiting is very damaging to the esophagus. Stomach acids are VERY corrosive to other parts of the body than the stomach itself. It wears away the enamel on your teeth, as well.