Bulimia Nervosa

Abuse and clinical value of diuretics in eating disorders therapeutic applications

Internation Journal of Eating Disorders
By Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS

Abstract

Diuretic abuse as a means of purging is common in patients with bulimia nervosa. We sought to illustrate the pathophysiologic effects of diuretics and purging on a patient with bulimia nervosa's fluid and electrolyte status and to clarify the role of diuretics in the management of volume status during refeeding.

We reviewed the literature pertaining to diuretic abuse, purging, bulimia nervosa, and diuretic therapy. Purging behaviors lead to volume depletion and a state of heightened aldosterone production. Patients with bulimia nervosa commonly undergo rapid rehydration with intravenous fluid administration. In the setting of hyperaldostreronism, aggressive rehydration leads to avid salt retention and the development of marked amounts of edema. Providers should understand both the background renal pathophysiology of the patient with bulimia nervosa and the mechanisms of action of diuretics to correctly use diuretics as focused therapeutic agents for this patient population.

Written by

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

Dr. Philip Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS founded the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders and Severe Malnutrition in 2001 and serves as its Executive Medical Director. He began his career at Denver…

ACUTE Earns Prestigious Center of Excellence Designation from Anthem
In 2018, the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders & Severe Malnutrition at Denver Health was honored by Anthem Health as a Center of Excellence for Medical Treatment of Severe and Extreme Eating Disorders. ACUTE is the first medical unit ever to achieve this designation in the field of eating disorders. It comes after a rigorous review process.

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