Which eating disorder may lead to electrolyte imbalance due to purging?

Which eating disorder may lead to electrolyte imbalance due to purging?

• A. Bulimia nervosa
• B. Anorexia nervosa
• C. Binge eating disorder
• D. Night eating syndrome

Answer: (A)

Bulimia nervosa is characterized by episodes of binge eating followed by compensatory behaviors aimed at preventing weight gain, such as self-induced vomiting, excessive exercise, or the misuse of laxatives. Purging, particularly through vomiting, can lead to significant electrolyte imbalances. This occurs because the loss of stomach contents during vomiting results in the depletion of essential electrolytes such as potassium and sodium, which are critical for maintaining normal physiological functions.

Electrolyte imbalances can have serious consequences for cardiac and muscle function, contributing to complications such as arrhythmias or muscle weakness. Individuals with bulimia nervosa are often aware of the potential consequences of their purging behaviors, but may feel compelled to engage in them due to an overwhelming fear of weight gain and a distorted body image.

In contrast, anorexia nervosa primarily involves self-starvation and may lead to electrolyte imbalances due to malnutrition and dehydration but does not typically involve purging as a primary behavior. Binge eating disorder does not include purging behaviors but is characterized by recurrent episodes of eating large quantities of food. Night eating syndrome involves waking up at night to eat and is not associated with purging behaviors either. Thus, bulimia nervosa is the disorder most directly linked to the risk