What medical consequence might indicate excessive vomiting?

Hypokalemia, which refers to low levels of potassium in the blood, is a common medical consequence associated with excessive vomiting. The act of vomiting leads to the loss of not only fluids but also essential electrolytes, including potassium. Potassium is crucial for many bodily functions, such as muscle contraction and nerve transmission, and its deficiency can result in various health issues, including muscle weakness, cramps, and potentially serious heart arrhythmias.

While conditions like hypercholesterolemia, low bone mineral density, and leukopenia can occur due to a variety of other factors, they are not typically direct consequences of excessive vomiting. Hypercholesterolemia is related to dietary factors and metabolism, low bone mineral density usually develops due to long-term nutritional deficiencies or hormonal changes, and leukopenia (a decrease in white blood cells) can result from several causes, including infections or bone marrow issues, rather than the immediate consequences of vomiting. Therefore, hypokalemia is the most direct and relevant consequence of excessive vomiting, making it the correct choice.