Complications of hazardous weight-loss methods

Am Fam Physician. 1984 Aug;30(2):141-6.

Abstract

Individuals who are overly conscious of their weight and those with eating disorders may induce vomiting and abuse laxatives and diuretics in order to lose weight. Self-induced vomiting may result in dental erosion, parotid and submandibular gland enlargement, oral and perioral trauma, pharyngeal and esophageal inflammation, aspiration and esophageal-gastric tears. Laxative abuse leads to digestive system complications such as cathartic colon and melanosis coli. All three purging methods lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.

MeSH terms

  • Body Weight*
  • Cathartics / adverse effects
  • Colonic Diseases / chemically induced
  • Dehydration / chemically induced
  • Dental Enamel / pathology
  • Diuretics / adverse effects
  • Feeding and Eating Disorders / complications*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / chemically induced
  • Ipecac / adverse effects
  • Patient Education as Topic
  • Substance-Related Disorders / complications*
  • Tachycardia / chemically induced
  • Vomiting / complications*

Substances

  • Cathartics
  • Diuretics
  • Ipecac