TeenHealthFX - Answers - Binge And Purge

Eating Disorders / Question
Published: October 29, 2007

Dear TeenHealthFX,

The other day I had a massive binge and purge. I had another massive binge the next day but could not purge. I tried for about 50minutes!! I'm no amateur either, it's not like i don't know how i just physically could not. the next day the same thing happened. it's so weird....i was just wondering-why is it that at times i am physically unable to purge?? I've looked all over the web and have found a grand total of 0 answers to this question. I'd really appreciate a response, thank you!!

Signed: Binge And Purge

Dear Binge And Purge,

TeenHealthFX is very concerned about you – if you are repeatedly binging and purging than you may have an eating disorder known as bulimia nervosa. This is a serious illness with very problematic short- and long-term effects to the body. For more information on Bulimia Nervosa, please read the answer to “What Are Eating Disorders?” under the Eating Disorders section of the website.

In answer to your question, one of the reasons that after time a bulimic may have trouble purging is that the body has become immune to the methods that have been repeatedly used to induce vomiting and those methods are no longer working. But this is not a sign that it is time to try something new to induce vomiting – it is a sign that a dangerous and damaging pattern of purging is in place and that professional help is required to address this problem.

Again, if you have been repeatedly binging and purging, find that you often attempt unsuccessfully to purge, and/or are finding that your body has become immune to your method of purging, FX strongly encourages you to meet for consultations with mental health and medical professionals trained in working with people who have eating disorders. That way you can be accurately diagnosed and a treatment plan can be put into place that will help you learn to change this current pattern of behavior that is so destructive to your mental and physical well-being.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact the Eating Disorders Program at Atlantic Health at 908-522-5757 for more information and to set up an evaluation. You can also contact the National Eating Disorders Association at 1-800-931-2237 for more information and referral services.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. You can also contact Girl’s Street – A Young Woman’s Health Program – at 908.522.2555.

Signed: TeenHealthFX