Expert: Joanne - 10/1/2006

Question
Ok..don't think I'm a nut case here but I want to become bulimic. But I want to do as much research on the subject before I actually start throwing up. I'm 13 almost 14 and I weigh 190 lbs. I've lost all hope in losing weight from dieting so now I'm looking into throwing up to lose weight. I've heard about using Ipicac (not sure how to spell that) but I want to know more about the product first. Like...does it put hurtful toxins or whatever in your body? Will it make me throw up and lose weight? I have other questions but I can't think of them right now. I'm so unhappy with the way I look that I think about suicide often..a little too often really. I really really need to lose weight. I think that if I do maybe I will be more happy and more confident you know? So if you can please answer my questions and give me some advice please! Thanks

Answer
I am not going to give you advice on how to become bulimic.  Bulimia can ruin you life - take it from some one who knows!

Ipecac is something that can cause death when abused, so please do not even think about going down this route!  Chemicals within can attach to the heart and lead to cardiomyopathy in which the heart can't pump the blood properly anymore, and result in your heart stopping.

Bulimia can be fatal, and is not something to play with.  I think that if you really feel as bad about yourself, you should make an appointment with someone that specialises in body image issues.  Please make an appointment with your Dr and see if he can refer you to someone.

I also recommend speaking to a dietician/nutritionist to see about getting a meal plan that will help you lose weight, but in a safe way.  It is not healthy to lose weight too quickly, and if you do, you are more likely to put it all back on, maybe even more!  If you follow a crash diet, the minute that you begin to eat normally again will end with weight gain, so the best way to do it is slowly and properly.

Holly