The Medical Complications of Purging Behaviours Associated With Eating Disorders
Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the medical complications associated with purging behaviors and their recommended treatments.
Methods: A thorough review of the literature through May 2024 was completed.
Results: The medical complications associated with purging behaviors affect every body system. Some of these complications are related to the method and frequency of purging while others are independent of the method of purging.
Conclusion: Purging behaviors associated with eating disorders confer serious medical complications that are generally reversible with cessation of purging behavious, weight restoration, and treatment of the underlying eating disorder.
Written by
Dennis Gibson, MD, FACP, CEDS
Dennis Gibson, MD, FACP, CEDS serves as a consulting physician for ACUTE. Dr. Gibson joined ACUTE in 2017 and has since dedicated his clinical efforts to the life-saving medical care of patients with…
Written by
Kristin Sterrett, MD
Dr. Kristin Sterrett grew up in Pennsylvania and earned her Bachelors of Science in Biology at Gordon College before her Medical Doctorate degree at Temple University School of Medicine. She completed…
Written by
Swathi Nemani, MD
Dr. Nemani was born in India and grew up in Tampa, Florida. She received her Bachelors of Science from Manipal University in India and her Medical Doctorate degree from Aureus University. She…
Written by
Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS
Philip S. Mehler, MD, FACP, FAED, CEDS, founded the ACUTE Center for Eating Disorders & Severe Malnutrition in 2001. He began his career at Denver Health more than 35 years ago and previously…
