Medical Health Encyclopedia

Studies have been mixed on the long-term health consequences for bulimic people who maintain normal weight and who do not go on to become anorexic. Some report no major problems. A 2002 study, however, reported that eating disorders during adolescence put these young people at risk for a variety of psychologic and medical problems later on, even in those without severe eating disorders. Health problems included circulatory disorders (such as high blood pressure), neurologic symptoms (such as seizures), chronic fatigue, headache, frequent flus and colds, and insomnia. Even worse, only 22% of the subjects had received any psychiatric treatment. The study did not break down specific eating disorders, but related the health problems with specific behaviors.

Furthermore, another 2002 study reported that bulimic patients were at higher risk for bone fractures. (The risk was lower than with anorexia and, unlike in anorexia, it returned to normal within a year of diagnosis and treatment.)

In all cases, patients who have both bulimia and anorexia are in greatest danger of health risks.

Long-Term Psychiatric Problems

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In the 2002 study mentioned above, eating disorders, even with normal weight, were associated with a higher risk for anxiety and depressive disorders and with suicide attempts.

Effect on Pregnancy

Most pregnant women with a history of eating disorders have healthy pregnancies, although they face higher risks for a number of complications, including cesarean sections, postpartum depression, miscarriages, and complicated deliveries. Their babies may also have a higher risk for low birth weight, prematurity, and malformation.

A 2004 study of women who had been previously hospitalized for eating disorders found that their risk of pre-term delivery was increased by 70-80%, and their chance of having a low birth weight infant doubled. Another study found that women with past or current eating disorders faced an increased risk of delivering babies that were small for gestational age and had smaller-than-normal head circumference.

Self-Destructive Behavior