Complications of hazardous weight-loss methods.

Individuals who are overly conscious of their weight and those with eating disorders may induce vomiting and abuse laxatives and diuretics in order to lose weight. Self-induced vomiting may result in dental erosion, parotid and submandibular gland enlargement, oral and perioral trauma, pharyngeal and esophageal inflammation, aspiration and esophageal-gastric tears. Laxative abuse leads to digestive system complications such as cathartic colon and melanosis coli. All three purging methods lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.