Between 11 and 13 million people in the U.S. have eating disorders and at least one million will die from their disorder. It is not unusual for women and girls struggling with eating disorders to either abuse or become dependent on over-the-counter substances.
"It may surprise many people, including some healthcare providers, that over-the-counter products and supplements for dieting purposes are frequently abused by those with eating disorders," said Kevin Wandler, MD, of Remuda Ranch Programs for Eating and Anxiety Disorders. "A full 64 percent of eating disorder patients abuse diet pills. The health consequences of diet pill abuse are enormous and include high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, thickening of the heart muscle, and kidney damage."
Other substances abused by individuals with eating disorders include: