Skip to content
  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory

Join our Newsletter

Get helpful tips and the latest information

Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube
Choosing Therapy Logo

Newsletter

  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
    • Men
    • Women
    • BIPOC
    • LGBTQIA+
    • Parents
    • Teens
  • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • What Is Purging?What Is Purging?
  • Purging & Eating DisordersPurging & Eating Disorders
  • Long-Term ComplicationsLong-Term Complications
  • Warning SignsWarning Signs
  • Possible CausesPossible Causes
  • TreatmentTreatment
  • Self-Coping MethodsSelf-Coping Methods
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics

What Is Purging? Definition, Types, & Treatments

Headshot of Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Written by: Nicole Arzt, LMFT

Headshot of Naveed Saleh MD, MS

Reviewed by: Naveed Saleh, MD, MS

Published: September 9, 2022

Purging refers to using compensatory measures such as vomiting, misusing laxatives, taking diet pills, or engaging in excessive exercise as a means of managing calorie intake. People with eating disorders may purge to try to avoid weight gain. Purging often occurs directly after an episode of binge-eating, but some may purge after eating any quantity of food.

Struggling with your relationship with food?

Do you find yourself constantly thinking about food or your body? It can be exhausting to have these thoughts. The good news is: you don’t have to feel this way. Take the first step towards healing by taking Equip’s free, confidential eating disorder screener. Learn more

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by Equip Health.

Learn More

What Is Purging?

Purging is a conscious attempt to eliminate or counteract food calories. People with eating disorders often use these behaviors as hazardous weight management tools. However, over time, purging rituals can quickly become compulsive and quitting them can be extremely challenging. In milder cases, someone may purge occasionally; in more severe situations, a person may purge several times a day.

Here are four common methods of purging:

Vomiting

Vomiting often coincides with binge eating, and people with bulimia are particularly prone to this type of purging.1 Someone typically vomits their food to undo overeating or binge eating. After a person eats, they feel they must “empty” themselves. Guilt, shame, and embarrassment may emerge, thus triggering more cravings to eat again. This pattern can become a vicious cycle.

The impacts of chronic vomiting can be life-threatening. Vomiting often coincides with electrolyte imbalances, and this imbalance can cause lethargy, irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, and heart attacks. It also impacts the stomach, and may cause ulcers and intense gastrointestinal distress. For these reasons, those living with bulimia are considered susceptible to acute and premature death.

Moreover, vomiting doesn’t work as an effective weight loss measure. The body absorbs food rapidly, and vomiting alone will not eliminate more than 50% of the consumed calories–usually much less.2

Laxative Abuse

Some may abuse laxatives to lose weight, feel thin, or empty themselves after eating. The laxatives typically follow binge episodes–the person wants to “rush out” food calories before absorption. However, laxative effectiveness is a myth. Food is absorbed very quickly, and any artificial weight loss quickly returns after rehydration.3

Laxative misuse also causes electrolyte imbalances. This disruption can impact the heart, blood, and kidneys. Furthermore, overusing laxatives may cause dependency, and the colon will need a higher dose of them to produce bowel movements. Over time, this can cause significant internal organ damage and increase the risk of colon cancer.3

Excessive Exercise

People may exercise excessively to lose or manage their weight, or to counteract the impact of calories consumed. While many often associate eating disorders with women, men are more likely to use exercise as a compensatory measure.4 This trend tends to be particularly pervasive in fitness communities.

While moderate physical activity is recommended for nearly everyone, overdoing it can be detrimental. Excessive exercise is associated with injuries, intense soreness, fatigue, hormonal dysregulation, and cardiovascular stress.5

Diuretic Misuse

Diuretics–also known as water pills–aim to remove water from the blood to reduce blood pressure. Some people abuse prescription diuretics to manage weight or induce weight loss. However, removing excess water from the body is not an effective weight-loss strategy. As soon as someone rehydrates, the water weight returns. That said, the consequences of misuse can be detrimental. Diuretic abuse is also associated with electrolyte imbalances and can affect the heart, organs, liver, blood, and kidneys.

Is your eating disorder being made worse by OCD?

Almost half of people with eating disorders also have OCD. Intrusive thoughts, including constantly thinking about food or your body, may be a sign of OCD. NOCD Therapists specialize in treating OCD and have an understanding of eating disorders. To learn more about receiving an OCD diagnosis and treatment options, schedule a free 15 minute call. NOCD is covered by many insurance plans. Visit NOCD

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by NOCD.

Visit NOCD

Purging & Eating Disorders

Research shows that eating disorders impact more than 28 million Americans. These affect people of any age, sex, or socioeconomic status. That said, they’re often comorbid with other mental health issues, including anxiety, mood, and substance use disorders.

Purging is a common behavior in these eating disorders:

Bulimia Nervosa

People with bulimia engage in binge-purge cycles in response to weight preoccupation or poor body image. They will eat large volumes of food in a short period of time (known as a binge), in which they experience a lack of control. Purging is often done to reduce the guilt or fear of eating.

It’s important to note that bulimia differs from binge eating. People with binge-eating disorder consume large quantities of food, but they do not typically compensate with purging behaviors.

Anorexia Nervosa Purging Subtype

Some people living with anorexia show similar cycles of bulimic behavior. For example, they may binge and purge to manage their weight, also referred to as anorexia nervosa binge/purge subtype. However, anorexia entails chronic food restriction, and that is not always the case with bulimia. In addition, people with anorexia have low body weights. People with anorexia may purge by vomiting; abusing laxatives; fasting (not eating for many days after a binge); or diuretic abuse.

Purging Disorder

Purging disorder refers to persistent patterns of purging behavior in the absence of binge eating. In the DSM, purging disorder currently falls under the category of Other Specified Feeding or Eating Disorder (OSFED). Excessive exercise often falls under this category, as someone might exercise compulsively without overeating.

Eating Disorder Help

Eating Disorder Treatment That Works – Delivered At Home. Eating disorder treatment is hard – which is why you deserve a team. Equip offers evidence-based care delivered virtually by a five-person care team, so you can achieve recovery without pressing pause on your life. We take insurance! Get a Consultation


Do you have a dietitian on your eating disorder recovery team? Nourish dietitians have experience with Binge Eating, Anorexia, Bulimia, and AFRID.  Covered by insurance. 94% of Nourish patients pay $0 out of pocket.  Visit Nourish

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Equip and Nourish.

Complications of Purging

Purging is inherently dangerous, and it can affect all areas of your physical and emotional well-being. It’s important to remember that symptoms may develop over time. Unfortunately, this progression can create false confidence. Some people may engage in purging behaviors for many years before experiencing serious consequences. But, at that point, they may have already caused significant damage to their minds and bodies.

Physical effects of purging may include:

  • Dehydration
  • Hyponatremia
  • Low blood pressure
  • Fatigue
  • Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
  • Tooth erosion
  • Swollen glands
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Altered glucose levels

Psychological effects of purging may include:

  • Body dysmorphia
  • Poor body image
  • Increased risk of developing an anxiety disorder
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Heightened risk of suicide
  • Increased risk of developing depression
  • Relationship issues
  • Poor work or school performance
  • Intense feelings of guilt and shame

Long-term complications of purging may include:

  • Gastrointestinal dysfunction
  • Kidney failure
  • Esophagitis
  • Fertility problems
  • Low bone density
  • Severe malnutrition
  • Osteoporosis
  • Hypertension
  • Heart attacks
  • Gastric rupture
  • Premature death

Purging Warning Signs

It can be challenging to discern if a loved one is purging. Feelings of shame and embarrassment often drive people to attempt to conceal their purges. However, loved ones may be able to notice slight physical and behavioral changes.

Below are some warning signs of purging behavior:

  • Only eating when alone
  • Eating large amounts of food quickly
  • Empty laxative or diuretic packages
  • Bad breath
  • Unexplained weight fluctuations
  • Heightened anxiety around mealtimes
  • Engaging in various fad diets
  • Swollen cheeks or jaw line
  • Using the bathroom for long periods of time after eating
  • Large quantities of food disappear without an explanation
  • Intense, prolonged exercise sessions

If you’re struggling with an eating disorder or body image issues, speaking with a therapist can help.

BetterHelp has over 20,000 licensed therapists who provide convenient and affordable online therapy. BetterHelp starts at $60 per week. Take a Free Online Assessment and get matched with the right therapist for you.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by BetterHelp

Free Assessment

What Causes Someone to Purge?

Various environmental or genetic variables may make someone more susceptible to purging. For example, research shows that low self-esteem, perfectionism, and tendencies towards impulsive behaviors are eating disorder risk factors.6

Societal expectations around thinness and body shape also likely play a role. Furthermore, stress can trigger someone to use unhealthy coping skills, such as purging to feel more “in control.” Finally, purging itself can become a behavioral addiction. Someone may feel a “high” when purging, only to experience a crash soon after.

Treatment for Purging Disorders

Purging can be life-threatening. Even in milder situations, this pattern can significantly impact your quality of life. Seeking professional help is important if you are struggling. Therapy is often the first step toward changing your behavioral responses. Therapies such as CBT,  family therapy, and exposure therapy are all evidence-based treatments for purging. In therapy, you will learn more about managing your triggers and implementing healthier coping responses.

Support groups may also be beneficial in helping you feel validated and understood. There are numerous in-person and online therapy options available. Some groups are peer-led (self-run), and others are facilitated by trained eating disorder professionals. You may need to try a few different groups before finding the right fit.

Finally, some people respond well to pharmacological treatment. SSRIs and antiepileptics, for example, are associated with decreased binge-eating. Topiramate, in particular, seems to show promising results. Moreover, buspirone has been shown to reduce bingeing and vomiting in people with bulimia.7

Self-Coping Methods for Purging

Purging may begin to feel like an automatic response, but you can interfere with that process by developing healthy coping skills. At first, purging urges may seem very intense and even unbearable. But having several coping skills on hand can help you feel more empowered. Eventually, the more you practice these habits, the more natural they will feel.

You may be able to help improve your negative patterns of purging by:

  • Meditating: Meditation can help you feel more connected to yourself. The next time you want to purge, try spending a few moments simply focusing on your breath and relaxing your body. Consider downloading a guided meditation script if you need support.
  • Practicing mindfulness: Try to spend more time being in the present moment. Consider grounding yourself by focusing on your five senses. If you feel anxious, remind yourself that all emotions pass.
  • Journaling: If you feel anxious or flooded by your emotions after eating, consider spending a few moments journaling. Write down how you feel and consider tracking your moods to develop more insight into potential behavioral patterns.
  • Using your hands (painting your nails, knitting, drawing): Try to occupy your hands and attention for at least thirty minutes at a time. You may notice that the urge to purge significantly reduces after that time passes.
  • Spending a few moments in nature: Nature can boost feel-good hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine. Consider sitting outside for a few minutes or taking a short talk.
  • Cuddling with an animal: If you have a pet, spend some time playing or cuddling up against them. The oxytocin boost may help reduce your desire to purge.
  • Taking a nap or going to bed early: Feeling tired can be a trigger for engaging in maladaptive behavior. Sometimes “sleeping it off” does the trick.
  • Organizing or cleaning something: Sometimes, focusing on controlling an “external” part of your world can help you feel better. Set a timer and commit to completing a task you’ve been putting off (e.g., folding the laundry, organizing a drawer, wiping down the counters).

Final Thoughts

All forms and frequencies of purging can be dangerous. Likewise, these problems often worsen progressively over time. If you are struggling, it’s important to seek help. You’re not alone, and getting the right treatment can make an important difference in starting a meaningful recovery.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Eating Disorder Treatment

Eating Disorder Treatment That Works – Delivered At Home. Eating disorder treatment is hard – which is why you deserve a team. Equip offers evidence-based care delivered virtually by a five-person care team, so you can achieve recovery without pressing pause on your life. We take insurance! Get a Consultation

Online Dietitian Nutritionist

Nourish dietitians have experience with Binge Eating, Anorexia, Bulimia, and AFRID.  Talk with a Registered Dietitian (RDN) about your eating disorder. Covered by insurance. 94% of Nourish patients pay $0 out of pocket.  Visit Nourish

Eating Disorders & OCD

Is your eating disorder being made worse by OCD? Almost half of people with eating disorders also have OCD. Intrusive thoughts, including constantly thinking about food or your body, may be a sign of OCD. NOCD Therapists specialize in treating OCD and have an understanding of eating disorders. To learn more about receiving an OCD diagnosis and treatment options, schedule a free 15 minute call. NOCD is covered by many insurance plans. Visit NOCD

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Nourish, Equip, and NOCD.

For Further Reading

  • Mental Health America
  • National Alliance on Mental Health
  • MentalHealth.gov
  • 11 Best Books About Eating Disorders for 2023
  • 12 Best Eating Disorder Recovery Blogs for 2021
  • Best Eating Disorder Apps for 2023
  • How To Help a Loved One
  • Eating Disorder Self-Help Resources
  • Beyond Hunger

Stories You Might Like


The Relationship Between Eating Disorders and OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects approximately one in 40 individuals worldwide. And while it has been ranked in the top 10 most disabling mental health conditions, what is less often understood is the interplay between the disorder and another group of mental health conditions that has some of the highest mortality rates of any: eating disorders. Read More

This content is sponsored By NOCD.

Purging Infographics

What Is Purging?   Purging Warning Signs   Treatment for Purging Disorders

Find a therapist for eating disorders

Get the help you need from a therapist near you

City or zip Search

Alabama
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Kentucky
Maryland
New York
New Jersey
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia

Are you a Therapist? Get Listed Today

Sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Overview-Bulimia. (2020, November). National Health Service. Retrieved from: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/bulimia/overview/

  • Bulimia Nervosa. HelpGuide. Retrieved from: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/eating-disorders/bulimia-nervosa.htm

  • Laxative Abuse. National Eating Disorder Alliance. Retrieved from: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/learn/general-information/laxative-abuse.

  • Eating and exercise disorders in young college men (2002, May). National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12701652/.

  • Heart Risks Associated With Extreme Exercise (2020, July). Cleveland Clinic. Retrieved from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-too-much-extreme-exercise-damage-your-heart/.

  • Eating disorders. (2021, July). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eating-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20353603.

  • Pharmacological Treatment of Eating Disorders (2005, June). Psychiatry. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3000192/.

Show more

Recent Articles

Eating Disorders in Young children
Eating Disorders in Young Children
Eating disorders are complex, serious conditions that affect people of all ages and demographics. The average onset of eating...
';
Are Eating Disorders Genetic?
Are Eating Disorders Genetic? Possible Causes & Risk Factors
Research indicates eating disorders are genetic, meaning eating disorders run in families and are heritable.
';
Best Eating Disorder Apps
Best Eating Disorder Apps
People in recovery from an eating disorder often benefit from having a variety of tools and resources to help...
';
Equip Health Review 2023 Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
Equip Health Review 2023: Pros & Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
Equip Health provides evidence-based online treatment for eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), and binge...
';
Eating Disorder Statistics & resources
Eating Disorder Statistics & Resources
Eating disorders are when a person’s eating habits are disrupted or altered, often resulting in mental and physical health...
';
DBT for Eating Disorders How It Works, Effectiveness & Examples
DBT for Eating Disorders: How it Works, Effectiveness & Examples
DBT for eating disorders is an effective treatment for binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa.
';
  • What Is Purging?What Is Purging?
  • Purging & Eating DisordersPurging & Eating Disorders
  • Long-Term ComplicationsLong-Term Complications
  • Warning SignsWarning Signs
  • Possible CausesPossible Causes
  • TreatmentTreatment
  • Self-Coping MethodsSelf-Coping Methods
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources
  • InfographicsInfographics
Choosing Therapy Logo White
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service

FOR IMMEDIATE HELP CALL:

Medical Emergency: 911

Suicide Hotline: 988

View More Crisis Hotlines
Choosing Therapy on Facebook
Choosing Therapy on Instagram
Choosing Therapy on Twitter
Choosing Therapy on Linkedin
Choosing Therapy on Pinterest
Choosing Therapy on Tiktok
Choosing Therapy on Youtube

© 2023 Choosing Therapy, Inc. All rights reserved.