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Bulimia and anemia tend to coexist. Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a type of eating disorder involving restricting and purging foods (usually to prevent weight gain), while anemia is a blood condition from a lack of specific vitamins and minerals. Often the treatment for anemia involves dietary changes, which is challenging for many people with bulimia, so finding a cohesive treatment for both is essential for a full recovery.
Anemia is when a person’s blood doesn’t produce enough healthy red blood cells because it’s not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood throughout the system. A person with anemia often feels tired or weak and may experience headaches, dizziness, or an irregular heartbeat. Additional signs and symptoms can occur depending on the type of anemia.1
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterized by a cycle of restricting food, binge eating, and purging (self-induced vomiting). It’s a potentially life-threatening illness that can cause various emotional and physical symptoms like dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry skin, weakness, brittle nails, and other medical complications.5
Bulimia and anemia often coexist, specifically iron and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. People with bulimia may experience vitamin and mineral deficiencies because when restricting and purging food, their bodies may lack nutrients like iron and vitamin B12, leading to anemia.
Iron and B12 are not the only deficiencies in people with bulimia nervosa. Restricting food and frequent vomiting can lead to several nutritional deficiencies, such as electrolytes and vitamin D.
Electrolytes are a collection of minerals in the body that contribute to various functions. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. An imbalance of electrolytes can cause irritability, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, fatigue, or an irregular heartbeat. Left untreated, it can lead to serious complications like seizures, coma, or cardiac arrest.8
Vitamin D helps the body absorb and use various minerals, such as calcium. People with vitamin D imbalances may experience decreased bone density, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis or fractures.7
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Bulimia, anemia, and other vitamin and mineral deficiencies are treatable. Treatment for eating disorders can vary depending on the severity, so it is essential to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Common treatments for anemia include supplements, medications, and diet changes, which may be challenging if you’re also struggling with bulimia. You may also consider speaking with a mental health professional to navigate treatment options for both conditions.
Seeking help for bulimia and anemia early on can significantly increase the chances of a full recovery. It takes courage to start the healing process, but the key is working with trusted and compassionate experts, such as those at Within Health. The Within team understands the complexity of bulimia and its relationship to anemia to provide the best evidence-based eating disorder treatment personalized to fit each individual.
Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.
Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.
