Medical complications of bulimia: a prospective evaluation.

Recent increase in the identification and treatment of bulimia, an eating disorder characterised by excessive eating and often accompanied by some form of purging behaviour, has led to an interest in its proper medical evaluation. Although scattered reports describe a multitude of associated medical complications, their true incidence is not known. We describe our experience with 39 consecutive bulimic patients who underwent thorough medical evaluation. Serious disease was rarely encountered although a significant association was found between low body weight and hypokalaemia. Elevated serum amylase values were also noted in 15 of 24 patients (62 per cent). The potential utility of the latter in treating bulimic patients is discussed. A practical approach to the management of these patients is outlined.