What potential health issue can bulimia cause?

Bulimia is an eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging behaviors, such as vomiting, excessive exercise, or the use of laxatives. One severe potential health issue associated with bulimia is organ failure. This can occur due to the physical stress placed on the body from repeated purging, which can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances. These imbalances can affect the heart and other vital organs, leading to serious complications, and in some cases, organ failure. Additionally, the impact of frequent purging on the gastrointestinal system can cause severe damage, contributing to further health deterioration.

While malnutrition, excessive weight gain, and dehydration are also concerns related to bulimia, they do not capture the more critical and life-threatening nature of organ failure. For instance, the body might still receive some nutrition from binge eating; however, the damaging effects of purging can outweigh any temporary nutritional benefits. Understanding these health risks is crucial for identifying and treating bulimia effectively.