Purging for Weight Control

Purging is a typical aspect of anorexia. Self-induced vomiting and excessive use of some drugs, such as laxatives or diuretics, are examples of purging habits. It could also entail using enemas. The anorexia subtype known as binge eating/purging is characterized by periods of binge eating followed by self-inflicted vomiting. Another method of purging is taking a lot of laxatives. These drugs are administered in an effort to lessen food absorption and hasten the emptying of the intestines and stomach.

Similar to this, diuretics are frequently employed as a way to reduce body weight by increasing urine and decreasing body water. According to research on the frequency of purging in people with eating disorders, up to 86% of patients self-induced vomiting, up to 56% of patients misused laxatives, and up to 49% of patients abused diuretics. Serious health issues can result from purging.