Which Eating Disorder Is Linked To Throwing Up?

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, eating disorders are a fairly common issue here in America, affecting around 20 million women and 10 million men at some point during their lifetimes. Eating disorders do not discriminate: they can affect individuals regardless of their ages, races, weights, genders, religions, body shapes, and ethnicities. Specialists have been unable to pin down one singular cause behind eating disorders; they largely agree that what causes them are various sociocultural, biological, and psychological factors. Today, will look at which eating disorder is linked to throwing up.

Types of Eating Disorders

There are several different types of eating disorders, including but not limited to: bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, binge eating disorder, orthorexia, ARFID, and OSFED. Each type of eating disorder has its own distinct qualities. A behavior that often comes to mind when people think about eating disorders is self-induced vomiting. While forcing oneself to throw up can be a part of several types of eating disorders, it is considered a major hallmark of bulimia nervosa. 

What is Bulimia Nervosa?

Bulimia nervosa is a severe eating disorder that, like all other types, can be life-threatening. It is characterized by an individual engaging in a dangerous cycle of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors including forcing oneself to throw up or using laxatives in an effort to negate the effects of their eating binges.

Physical Symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa

There are various physical symptoms that may point to someone suffering from bulimia nervosa. These may include:

• Dizziness and/or fainting
• Sleep issues
• Constantly feeling cold
• Notable weight fluctuations
• Muscle weakness
• The presence of calluses and/or cuts across the top of their finger joints from induced vomiting
• Swelling around the salivary glands, “chipmunk cheeks”
• Dental problems including tooth sensitivity, cavities, tooth discoloration, and enamel erosion
• Stomach cramps and other non-specific gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux or constipation
• Dry skin and nails
• Brittle nails
• Thinning of hair on the head
• Difficulties concentrating
• Yellow skin (perhaps from eating large amounts of carrots
• Abnormal laboratory and blood work findings
• Poor wound healing
• Impaired immunity
• Cold, mottled hands and feet
• Swollen feet
• Menstrual irregularities

Behavioral and Emotional Signs of Bulimia Nervosa

There are also several different emotional and behavioral signs that may be linked to bulimia nervosa. These could include:

• Discomfort eating around other people
• The development of food rituals such as only eating a type of food group, not allowing foods to touch, excessive chewing
• Skipping meals or eating smaller portions during meals
• Frequent bathroom trips after eating, signs and/or smells of vomit, packages or wrappers of diuretics or laxatives (potential evidence of purging)
• Indications of having consumed large amounts of food (empty containers or wrappers), which could point to eating binges
• Feeling a lack of control during secret, recurring binge eating episodes followed by purging using self-induced vomiting, laxatives, fasting, excessive exercise, et cetera
• The disappearance of large amounts of food during short time periods
• The use of fad diets and other new food-related practices
• Stealing food or hoarding it in odd places
• Drinking large amounts of water or beverages with no calories
• Appearing bloated (from fluid retention)
• Withdrawal from activities and friends
• The excessive use of gum, mints, and/or mouthwash
• Hiding the body by wearing baggy clothing
• Indications that dieting, food control, and weight loss are of primary concern
• The creation of schedules or other rituals to allow time for binge-and-purge sessions
• Swollen cheeks or jaw areas
• The maintenance of an excessive exercise routine in spite of any factors such as weather, illness, or injury
• Showing major concern with one’s shape or weight
• Frequently looking in the mirror, checking for perceived flaws
• Extreme mood swings

While bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder, it is also treatable. You can find resources on where to get treated across the United States here. We are also here to help you at Eating Disorder Recovery Specialists. You may contact us via phone (866-525-2766), email, or by filling out our contact form.