Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesComplicationsDiagnosisTreatmentWhen to See a ProviderOutlook
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
When to See a Provider
Outlook
When related toeating disorders, purging means abruptly expelling food from the body to avoid weight gain after consumption. Behaviors that may illustrate purging include:
While purging may have physical symptoms, it’s generally the product of an underlying mental health issue.Understanding the definitions and traits associated with purging can help identify this behavior in yourself or someone you care about. It’s important to seek medical help for any signs of purging.
This article discusses the symptoms, causes, and risks of purging, as well as how it relates to disordered eating, treatment options, and when to seek help.
Verywell / Laura Porter
Symptoms of Purging
Purging involves trying to rid the body of food after eating in order to lose weight. It may occur along with the followingbehaviors and symptoms:
The Danger of the InternetSome people with eating disorders will search for websites that offer “tips” on dangerous eating disorder behaviors, including ways to purge. Thesewebsites are very dangerousand cause significant harm. Watch for signs that someone may be using them.
The Danger of the Internet
Some people with eating disorders will search for websites that offer “tips” on dangerous eating disorder behaviors, including ways to purge. Thesewebsites are very dangerousand cause significant harm. Watch for signs that someone may be using them.
Purging can cause serious harm to the body and may even be fatal. Anyone with symptoms of purging disorder should see a healthcare provider for help with treatment and protecting long-term health.
Sometimes purging can cause a need for immediate or emergency medical attention that cannot wait.
Serious symptoms that indicate urgent medical attention may be needed include:
If you think you or someone else needs immediate medical attention, seek it immediately, even if the symptoms don’t fall under “typical” complications of purging. Purging can be damaging in many ways.
Types of Purging
Common types of purging include:
Who Does Purging Affect?
Eating disorders—including purging disorders—can affect people of all genders, races, and ages.
While research often focuses on cisgender girls and women, one study indicates that about 25% (or more) of people who meet the criteria for a diagnosis of an eating disorder are male.
Trans and nonbinary people are also vulnerable to eating disorders. One study suggests that trans and nonbinary people who were assigned female at birth are particularly at risk.
Research and stereotypes about eating disorders are typically White-centered. This bias is both erroneous and dangerous.
Recognizing Purging in Someone Else
Some signs to look for include:
Causes of Purging
Several types of eating disorders can involve purging, including:
In the"Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition"(DSM-5), purging disorder falls under the category of other specified feeding and eating disorder (OSFED), previously known as eating disorder not otherwise specified (EDNOS).
To meet the criteria for OSFED, you must:
The five presentations of OSFED include:
If you have purging disorder, you may exhibit purging behaviors without meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of another eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia.
How Purging Affects the Body
Purging can cause many different complications depending on the type of purging. Some complications from self-induced vomiting or laxatives include the following:
Self-Induced Vomiting
Laxatives and Diuretics
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Purging?
While there are no direct laboratory diagnostic methods foridentifying purging disorderor associated conditions, there are multiple general lab tests and mental health assessments that can detect it. If you think you or your loved one may be struggling with disordered eating, here are some assessments to help start your diagnosis and treatment journey:
It’s important to see your healthcare provider for purging behaviors. Your healthcare provider will conduct tests to help recommend treatment. Some of the initial tests at your first appointment may include:
How to Help
To help someone with a purging disorder or any eating disorder:
How to Treat Purging
Although each person’s symptoms and care needs will be different, some of the common therapies for these conditions include, but are not limited to:
Therapy for purging and eating disorders can be conducted in an inpatient, outpatient, or virtual setting, depending on your care needs and lifestyle.
These therapies are meant to help you reframe your relationship with food and address the underlying causes of your dysfunctional relationship with food. At the same time, you can get help for the immediate physical risks and impacts related to chronic purging.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Getting help for purging disorder is vital. Early intervention is most effective. If you think you may have purging disorder, see your healthcare provider.
If you suspect a loved one has a purging disorder, encourage them to get help, but do so sensitively. Criticism and shame are likely to cause them to retreat. Establishing trust and communication, helping the person to see how their behavior is causing harm, is usually more effective.
For help with purging disorder coping and recovery:
Help Is AvailableIf you or someone you know is struggling with eating disorders or body image issues, you can reach out to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline at 1-866-662-1235. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.
Help Is Available
If you or someone you know is struggling with eating disorders or body image issues, you can reach out to the National Alliance for Eating Disorders Helpline at 1-866-662-1235. The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.
Outlook for Purging Disorders
Left untreated, purging can cause complications that put your health at risk and can be life-threatening. However, help for purging is available and effective, especially when started early.
Recovery will involve working with a team to provide nutrition counseling, psychotherapy, and possibly medications. With treatment, more than half of individuals with purging improve.
But even after successful treatment, purging can return, so experts often recommend maintenance treatment.
Summary
Purging is generally the result of an underlying mental health condition, but it can lead to serious physical health issues. It is best treated through a combination of immediate medical care and long-term mental health treatment to determine the root causes and sustaining factors.
If you or someone you know has symptoms of an eating disorder, including purging, make an appointment with a healthcare provider to discuss diagnosis and treatment plans.
17 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Johns Hopkins University.Bulimia Nervosa.
Disorders.org.Telltale symptoms of purging disorder.
National Institute of Mental Health.Eating disorders: about more than food.
National Eating Disorders Association.Laxative misuse.
Forney KJ, Buchman-Schmitt JM, Keel PK, Frank GKW.The medical complications associated with purging.Int J Eat Disord. 2016;49(3):249-259. doi:10.1002/eat.22504
Sweeting H, Walker L, MacLean A, et al.Prevalence of eating disorders in males: a review of rates reported in academic research and UK mass media. Int J Mens Health. 2015;14(2):10.3149/jmh.1402.86. doi: 10.3149/jmh.1402.86
Keel PK.Purging disorder: recent advances and future challenges. Curr Opin Psychiatry. 2019 Nov;32(6):518-524. doi: 10.1097/YCO.0000000000000541
Bulimia Anorexia Nervosa Association.Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED).
National Eating Disorder Association.Eating Disorders Screening Tool.
National Eating Disorder Association.Evaluation and diagnosis.
Oxford Academic.4 Treatments for Binge Eating and Purging.
National Health Service.Overview - cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Center for Mindful Psychotherapy.Family of origin challenges.
American Psychological Association Dictionary of Psychology.Dialectical behavior therapy.
American Psychological Association.Psychotherapy.
Harvard Medical School.Bulimia: symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
