When you're living with bulimia, you're putting your body—and even your life—at risk. The most life-threatening side effect of bulimia is dehydration due to purging. Throwing up, laxatives, and diuretics may cause electrolyte imbalances in the body, most generally in the form of low potassium levels. Low potassium levels trigger a wide range of symptoms ranging from lethargy and cloudy thinking to atypical heartbeat and death. Chronically low levels of potassium may also result in kidney failure.