The Medical Complications of Purging Behaviours Associated With Eating Disorders

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to comprehensively review the medical complications associated with purging behaviours and their recommended treatments. METHODS: A thorough review of the literature through May 2024 was completed. RESULTS: The medical complications associated with purging behaviours affect every body system. Some of these complications are related to the method and frequency of purging while others are independent of the method of purging. CONCLUSION: Purging behaviours associated with eating disorders confer serious medical complications that are generally reversible with cessation of purging behaviours, weight restoration, and treatment of the underlying eating disorder.