What happens if bulimia is not treated

However, the recovery can take months or years, and relapses are common. The sooner a person seeks treatment, the more likely they are to recover and avoid complications.

Support from family and friends can be key. Help is available for anyone who may have bulimia, as well as for their loved ones. Seeking treatment and support early can improve the chances of a full recovery without complications. Anorexia nervosa is a serious psychological and eating disorder.

The complications can be fatal, but treatment and recovery are possible. Find out…. There are many myths about eating disorders, but knowing the facts can help people provide better support for individuals dealing with these serious…. Eating disorders are conditions that involve disordered eating. Learn more about the different types of eating disorder and their associated symptoms….

People with anorexia tend to severely restrict their food intake, while those with bulimia go through periods of overeating followed by unhealthful…. Binge eating disorder involves times of uncontrolled eating, which then leads to unhappiness. A person may do it because they feel depressed or….

What to know about bulimia nervosa. Medically reviewed by Marney A. Definition Symptoms Treatment Causes and risk factors Diagnosis Outlook Summary Bulimia nervosa is a serious mental health condition and eating disorder. What is bulimia nervosa? Causes and risk factors. Latest news Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. Anorexia nervosa: What you need to know. Medically reviewed by Timothy J.

Legg, Ph. What different eating disorders are there? What is the difference between anorexia and bulimia? What's to know about binge eating disorder? Because it's related to self-image — and not just about food — bulimia can be hard to overcome.

But effective treatment can help you feel better about yourself, adopt healthier eating patterns and reverse serious complications. The severity of bulimia is determined by the number of times a week that you purge, usually at least once a week for at least three months. If you have any bulimia symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. If left untreated, bulimia can severely impact your health. Talk to your primary care provider or a mental health professional about your bulimia symptoms and feelings.

If you're reluctant to seek treatment, confide in someone about what you're going through, whether it's a friend or loved one, a teacher, a faith leader, or someone else you trust.

He or she can help you take the first steps to get successful bulimia treatment. If you think a loved one may have symptoms of bulimia, have an open and honest discussion about your concerns. You can't force someone to seek professional care, but you can offer encouragement and support.

You can also help find a qualified doctor or mental health professional, make an appointment, and even offer to go along. Because most people with bulimia are usually normal weight or slightly overweight, it may not be apparent to others that something is wrong. Red flags that family and friends may notice include:. The exact cause of bulimia is unknown. Many factors could play a role in the development of eating disorders, including genetics, biology, emotional health, societal expectations and other issues.

Girls and women are more likely to have bulimia than boys and men are. Bulimia often begins in the late teens or early adulthood. Bulimia may cause numerous serious and even life-threatening complications. Possible complications include:. Although there's no sure way to prevent bulimia, you can steer someone toward healthier behavior or professional treatment before the situation worsens.

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Symptoms of this disorder may include: Repeated episodes of binging, which means eating an unreasonable amount of food in one sitting.

Forced purging following an episode of binging. Loss of control during episodes of binging. Restriction of food intake between binges. Unreasonable fear of weight gain. Some of the most common signs of bulimia nervosa include: Avoidance of eating in front of others. Episodes of binging. Fasting or strict diets after binging.

Going to the bathroom during or right after meals. Fluctuating weight. Sores or calluses on the hands or knuckles. Excessive exercise. Damaged gums and teeth. Bulimia Nervosa Prognosis If bulimia nervosa is left untreated, it can lead to a wide variety of complications.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the most common bulimia nervosa side effects include: Severe tooth decay. Gum disease. Irregular heartbeat, heart failure or other heart problems. Personality disorders, anxiety or depression. Digestive disturbances.