However, this is not the case, and malnutrition can result irrespective of weight. An individual who struggles with anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder may develop malnutrition as a result of erratic and irregular eating behaviors.

Do bulimics become anorexics?

People with bulimia can experience episodes of anorexia, but they still tend to consume more calories overall through bingeing and purging. This explains why many people with bulimia still retain normal body weights. This can be deceptive to loved ones, and can even cause a doctor to miss the diagnosis.

How does bulimia affect nutrition?

These behaviors cause a loss of fluid and electrolytes from the body, leading to dehydration, decreased blood electrolyte concentrations, decreased blood volume, and decreased blood pressure (Forney, Buchman-Schmitt, Keel, & Frank, 2016).