Hertfordshire Community Eating Disorders Service (CEDS)
The effects of diuretic abuse on physical health
People with eating disorders sometimes take diuretics (also known as water
tablets).
Because they believe that the weight lost is due to fat loss.
In fact, diuretics have no effect whatsoever on calorie absorption, and the
weight loss seen is due to water loss. As soon as the diuretics are stopped,
rehydration occurs, and weight returns to normal.
Non-prescription (over the counter) diuretics
Whilst over the counter diuretics rarely cause medical problems, they can
contain very high levels of caffeine. This can lead to headaches, trembling
and a rapid heart rate. Caffeine can also greatly increase anxiety.
Prescription diuretics
Abuse of prescription diuretics tends to be more dangerous.
Dehydration
Consistent abuse of diuretics will lead to dehydration, the chronic effects of
which are
 Feeling thirsty all the time
 Light- headedness
 Feeling weak
 Fainting (especially on standing)
 Frequent urinary tract infections (e.g., cystitis).
Electrolyte (body salts) imbalance
When you abuse diuretics you will get rid of many essential salts (potassium,
sodium and chloride) that keep nerve and muscle function normal. This leads
to:
 Irregular heart beat/palpitations.
 Weakness
 Muscle weakness and spasms ( made worse by over exercise)
 Irritability
 Convulsions
 Cardiac failure
NB. These effects are likely to be worse if you also abuse laxatives and/or
regularly vomit.
Low levels of magnesium in the blood
This is called hypomagnesaemia. It can make the symptoms of low potassium
worse and can result in arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms) and even in sudden
death.
Urine problems
Abuse of tablets that stimulate urine production will potentially cause problems with
passing urine.
 Polyuria ( producing large amounts of urine)
 Blood in the urine (hematurial)
 Pyuria (pus in the urine).
Kidney damage.
Long term abuse of diuretics can eventually lead to kidney problems due to the
effect of chronic dehydration, and also due to the toxic effect of the diuretics on the
kidneys
Other problems.
Diuretics can cause several other problems, such as:
 Nausea and abdominal pain
 Constipation.
Reference: “Cognitive Behavioural therapy for eating disorders: a comprehensive treatment guide” (2007) Waller et al. Page
405/406 Appendix 2B