The dangers in bulimia are many and exceed dramatic weight loss. In fact, many people with bulimia are able to maintain a normal weight. This can trick people into believing that bulimia isn’t so bad, but the health risks associated with the eating disorder are quite severe.

The most dangerous effect of bulimia is a heart attack. It’s not as uncommon as you might think. A heart attack can be caused by an electrolyte imbalance of potassium and an irregularity in metabolism. Bulimia can also cause other cardiac irregularities, including arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). The electrolyte imbalance as well as dehydration can also lead to kidney failure. These serious health concerns can cause death.

Bulimia can also lead to tooth sensitivity and decay. When a person vomits frequently, stomach acid wears away tooth enamel. This leaves the teeth exposed to heat, cold and acids. In extreme cases teeth may become so decayed that they fall out.

Vomiting can also cause an esophageal rupture (even if it’s the first time the person intentionally vomits) as well as stomach ulcers. The use of laxatives can lead to the opposite of their intended effect: constipation.
Other physical dangers of bulimia include loss of menstrual periods, osteoporosis, swollen salivary glands and scars or calluses on the fingers and hands.

There are also psychological consequences of bulimia. Although some psychological issues such as depression and anxiety can cause bulimia, the eating disorder can make such problems worse as well as add other detrimental psychological troubles to the mix. Low self-esteem, shame or guilt, obsessive compulsive disorder, suicidal thoughts and damaged relationships are common among people with bulimia. People with bulimia become more prone to substance abuse; in fact, one in four people with bulimia also deal with some form of substance abuse.

Explaining these dangers in bulimia can help a teen to avoid the disease.  Recognizing the seriousness of the disorder is an important part to not succumbing to it. However, once a person has entered the world of bulimia, it is vital that he or she receive professional help to treat it. Eating disorders such as bulimia are almost never cured without the help of doctors and therapists. Talk to a health care professional about the steps you should take to help somebody with bulimia.