health

The causes of bulimia are not known for certain, but are thought to be a
combination of genetic factors (possibly unusual sensitivity to foods high in
carbohydrates); the emotional climate in the patient’s family; and pressures
in the wider society to live up to a standardized image of beauty. In terms
of family patterns, people with bulimia often describe their families as conflicted
and their parents as either distant and uncaring or hostile and critical.
Bulimia is associated with a number of physical symptoms. Binge
eating by itself rarely causes serious medical complications, but it is associated
with nausea, abdominal bloating and cramping, slowed digestion,
and weight gain.

Bulimics who force themselves to vomit after a binge may develop
serious medical problems, including:

• Erosion of the enamel on the teeth, caused by stomach acid in the
  vomited material.
• Enlargement of the salivary glands.
• Scars and calloused areas on the knuckles from contact with the
  teeth.
• Irritation of the throat and esophagus.
• Low blood pressure and slowed heart rate.
• Electrolyte imbalances. The loss of fluids from repeated vomiting
  can deplete the body’s stores of hydrogen chloride, potassium,
  sodium, and magnesium. The loss of these chemicals in turn can
  sometimes affect heart rhythm.