Purging Behaviors

Abstract

Purging involves the forceful evacuation of food/calories from the body. A key feature of purging behavior is the intention to control body weight and/or shape by expelling food from the body. Self-induced vomiting is the most common type of purging behavior. Vomiting is often induced by inserting a finger or foreign object into the throat to stimulate the gag reflex. Less commonly, some individuals have reported using ipecac syrup to induce vomiting. Other methods of purging include diuretic abuse (elimination of fluids), laxative abuse (elimination of solids), diet pills, enema misuse, and omitting or underdosing insulin in Type I diabetics. Importantly, purging is largely ineffective as a means of weight control and has potentially dangerous side effects, including electrolyte imbalances, esophageal tears, dehydration, erosion of tooth enamel, and kidney damage. Thus, a thorough assessment of purging behavio ...