Does Throwing Up Make You Lose Weight? The Dangers of Bulimia Nervosa

Does Throwing Up Make You Lose Weight?

Weight stigma is a real problem, and it can make people feel anxious, have low self-esteem, or even become depressed about their body weight.

Some folks, because of these feelings, resort to an extreme method called intentional purging to try and lose weight.

Unfortunately this can often lead to the development of eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa.

But does throwing up make you lose weight?

The science actually suggests the opposite.

In fact a recent study found that people struggling with bulimia actually reached their highest body weight after starting their bulimic behaviour.

Today, we will address this rather delicate subject and explore the risks associated with using vomiting as a means to achieve weight loss.

Is Throwing Up a Way to Lose Weight?

Believe it or not, some folks use throwing up as a way to try and shed pounds.

It might seem like a quick fix for weight loss, but it’s not a good idea at all.

Some people have been known to combine vomiting after eating with other unhealthy habits like taking too many laxatives, fasting for too long, or doing extreme workouts.

All of these behaviours can be linked to a serious eating disorder called bulimia nervosa.

People with bulimia are really scared of gaining weight, but they struggle to control their eating.

They might eat a lot of food in one go, known as bingeing, and then purposely make themselves throw up to try and get rid of the calories they just ate.

It might seem to work temporarily, but over time, it can actually lead to weight gain.

Plus, bulimia can be super dangerous if it’s not treated, so it’s crucial to seek help if you or someone you know is dealing with this.

How Many Calories Do You Lose from Vomiting?

So does throwing up get rid of calories?

What vomiting does is empty your stomach, so you might lose a few calories if you vomit right after a meal.

At first, it might seem like throwing up right after eating could make all those calories disappear.

But science tells us a different story.

When you vomit, you can only actually get rid of about half of the calories you ate, and often even less than that.

The rest of the calories still get absorbed by your body, and if you’re dealing with binge eating episodes, they can lead to weight gain over time.

So, vomiting isn’t a good way to manage your weight.

So, Does Throwing Up Make You Lose Weight?

In the beginning, yes, you might notice temporary weight loss.

The numbers on the scale might even go down right away.

But here’s the truth: those lower numbers mainly reflect the loss of what was in your stomach and some water weight. They don’t show a true and lasting weight loss.

In fact, people struggling with bulimia can actually gain weight a few years after developing the eating disorder.

A study even found that people struggling with bulimia reached their highest body weight after starting their bulimic behaviour.

The Dangers of Deliberate Vomiting for Weight Loss

Engaging in the practice of self-induced vomiting is an extremely unhealthy and risky method for trying to lose weight.

As mentioned earlier, a recent study found that people actually reached their highest body weight after starting their bulimic behaviour.

Let’s take a look at the significant dangers associated with this behaviour.

Severe Digestive Impairment

Purging right after eating can harm your stomach, making it sensitive to even small amounts of food, causing discomfort.

It can also disrupt your ability to recognize feelings of fullness and hunger.

Nutritional Deficiencies

As you expel most of your food through vomiting, you’re at risk of not getting enough essential nutrients to maintain your overall health.

Over time, this can lead to severe nutritional deficiencies with serious health consequences.

Dental Problems

The acidity in vomit can erode tooth enamel, resulting in damaged and brittle teeth.

This can lead to tooth sensitivity to temperature and pain when biting. In extreme cases, you may even face the risk of tooth loss.

Oesophageal Damage

Forceful purging can cause tears in the mucous membrane lining your oesophagus, the tube connecting your throat to your stomach.

This can result in severe bleeding, sometimes accompanied by blood in your vomit.

This condition is known as Mallory-Weiss Syndrome and can be life-threatening.

Heart Issues, Including Arrhythmia

Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration, which in turn can disrupt electrolyte balance in the blood, including potassium levels.

This imbalance can trigger conditions like arrhythmia, which, in some cases, can lead to heart failure.

Psychological Challenges

The pressure to vomit after every meal can trigger anxiety related to eating, guilt about purging, and shame about the entire experience.

These emotions can intensify and potentially contribute to the development of depression or more severe mental health disorders.

Kidney Failure

Long-term dehydration resulting from habitual self-induced vomiting can eventually lead to chronic kidney disease.

Selecting a Wise Approach to Weight Loss

We all want to shed those extra pounds swiftly, but it’s important to remember that aiming for “rapid weight loss” isn’t a sustainable or healthy path in the long run.

Such strategies can harm your metabolism and overall well-being.

To truly succeed in losing weight while preserving your health, it’s vital to opt for a sensible weight-loss approach.

Calorie Deficit for Weight Loss

The fundamental principle behind weight loss is maintaining a daily calorie deficit – burning more calories than you consume.

This journey should be personalised to fit your body, lifestyle, and specific health requirements.

Begin by making gradual and sustainable changes to your eating habits.

You can create a calorie deficit by moderating portion sizes, reducing certain food groups, or adopting practices like intermittent fasting, which limits the hours you consume your meals.

To make this journey enjoyable and flexible, you can occasionally incorporate a cheat day or a cheat meal into your otherwise healthy diet.

This can provide a mental break and prevent feelings of deprivation.

Resistance Training for Weight Loss

Incorporating resistance training into your exercise routine can be particularly beneficial for weight loss.

Resistance training involves lifting weights or using resistance bands to build muscle.

Here’s why it’s advantageous:

Muscle Burns More Calories: Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns calories even when you’re at rest. The more muscle you have, the more calories your body naturally burns throughout the day, helping you maintain your calorie deficit.
Preserves Lean Muscle Mass: When you’re on a weight-loss journey, you want to lose fat while preserving lean muscle. Resistance training helps you achieve this balance by promoting fat loss and muscle preservation.
Enhances Overall Strength: Building muscle through resistance training not only aids weight loss but also improves your strength, mobility, and overall fitness.
Variety in Your Workout Routine: Combining resistance training with other forms of exercise, like cardio or flexibility exercises, adds diversity to your workouts, making them more engaging and effective.

High-Protein Diet for Weight Loss

Your diet plays a fundamental role in your weight-loss journey. Incorporating a high-protein diet can be particularly advantageous.

Here’s why it can benefit you:

Appetite Control: Protein-rich foods help you feel full and satisfied, reducing the likelihood of overeating or snacking on high-calorie foods.
Thermic Effect: Digesting protein requires more energy, which means your body burns more calories during digestion compared to fats or carbohydrates.
Muscle Preservation: Protein supports muscle repair and growth, crucial for maintaining lean muscle mass during weight loss.
Steady Blood Sugar: Protein helps stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing energy crashes and cravings for sugary snacks.
Metabolic Boost: Adequate protein intake can help maintain a healthy metabolism, which is essential for successful weight management.

Incorporate lean protein sources into your meals, such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean cuts of beef or pork, tofu, legumes, and low-fat dairy products.

Does Throwing Up Make You Lose Weight? – Summary

So does throwing up make you lose weight?

The main takeaway from this article is that there are no quick fixes or shortcuts when it comes to achieving sustainable weight loss.

While self-induced vomiting may lead to temporary weight loss, it can ultimately result in serious health consequences and the development of an eating disorder, such as bulimia.

The question of whether throwing up helps you lose weight is nuanced.

Yes, initially, it may appear to be effective, and you might see a drop in the numbers on the scale.

However, this weight loss is primarily due to the expulsion of stomach contents and water weight. It does not reflect genuine, lasting weight loss.

In fact, people who engage in frequent vomiting as a weight-loss strategy may experience weight gain over time.

It is essential to recognise the potential dangers associated with this behaviour.

Frequent vomiting can have severe consequences, including damage to the digestive system, nutritional deficiencies, dental problems, oesophageal damage, heart issues, and negative psychological impacts.

If you or someone you know has been using vomiting as a weight-loss method, it is imperative to seek professional help immediately.

Thanks for checking out does throwing up make you lose weight?

Keep pushing.

Speak soon.

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