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Is Purging A Sign of Bulimia?

Studies show that purging or self-induced vomiting is becoming more popular among adolescents as weight loss method.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, researchers revealed some surprising statistics:  Out of 16,000 respondents, 15 percent of 13 to 15-year-olds admitted that they had tried vomiting to lose weight in the last year and close to 16 percent of 10 to 12-year-olds said they had.

This behavior was most prevalent among children who engaged in other unhealthy behaviors.  For example, over 20% of those who said they’d tried vomiting also said they ate fried food on a daily basis, and 18% said they spent in excess of two hours a day in front of a computer. 

“It showed that self-induced vomiting was most prevalent in adolescents who had a sedentary lifestyle, slept less and ate unhealthily,” said Dr. Yiing Mei Liou, the study’s lead author. In the United States, according to a 2009 study by the Centers for Disease Control, 4% of teens in the U.S. said they had vomited or taken laxatives to lose weight in the 30 days before the survey. Self-induced vomiting is not necessarily the same as bulimia but it is still an eating disorder.  The practice of vomiting to lose weight can lead to more serious eating disorders like Bulimia and Anorexia.

Binging and purging are symptoms of a serious eating disorder called Bulimia Nervosa.  In binge eating people may eat a huge amount of food: snacks, several helpings of food,  and a large portion of desert in 2 hours or so, then purge.  They secretively purge by vomiting or taking laxatives to get rid of the food. 

Doctors define bulimia nervosa by whether a person has engaged in binge eating followed by self-induced vomiting at least twice a week for three months or more.

Dr. Evelyn Attia, director of the Columbia University Center for Eating Disorders, says that this eating disorder appears to be increasingly affecting more younger males and younger females than in the past.

Parents should be alert for signs that their children may be purging.  Warning signs can include losing lots of weight, frequently disappearing into the bathroom, eating alone, eating large amounts of food with no weight gain, using laxatives or diuretics, and withdrawing from social activities.

Why do kids make themselves vomit to lose weight?

Kids participating in some sports may believe that they need to change their body or be thin to compete.  Others may simply have a poor self-image and desire shedding pounds and inches to make their bodies more “perfect”.  Others come from families where a parent is overly concerned with their kid’s appearance. 

Because kids are growing, weight loss is not normal or healthy.  Although no-one enjoys being overweight, the body does need a certain amount of fat to work properly.  Being substantially underweight can cause health problems.  Over a long period of time, these problems can be severe and can cause death.

Purging causes a loss of nutrients, including potassium.  A shortage of potassium can cause heart problems.  Purging can also cause tooth decay because puke is acidic.  People with bulimia may cause damage to their stomachs and kidneys.

If parents or other care-givers notice any of the warning signs of serious eating disorders a quick response is very important.  Parents should immediately discuss their concerns with their child who is displaying the symptoms of an eating disorder.  It is often useful to enlist the support of other resources such as a doctor, a dietitian, a counselor or therapist.  Together, this team can help children with eating disorders to reach a healthy weight, follow a nutritious diet, and feel good about themselves again.