Losing water is not the same as losing body fat. Many laxatives work by helping the gut absorb more water from the body or keeping water in the gut around the stool. This water softens the stool, making it easier to pass.
It may also cause diarrhea , which is very watery stool. As this additional water passes out with the stool, a person may weigh less after using laxatives. However, this effect is only temporary. Laxatives do not reduce body fat or promote long-term weight loss. Many laxatives are available over the counter for the treatment of constipation. Misusing laxatives for weight loss may cause the following side effects:. People usually use laxatives to relieve constipation.
If a person takes laxatives when they are not constipated or uses them too frequently, these drugs may cause diarrhea. Osmotic laxatives draw water from the body into the gut to soften stool. Taking too many osmotic laxatives or taking them too frequently may cause dehydration. Taking laxatives can result in an electrolyte imbalance. Certain types of laxative may cause the body to absorb high amounts of electrolytes such as sodium and phosphorus from the gut.
Some laxatives can also lead to low blood levels of potassium , magnesium , or calcium. An electrolyte imbalance may cause weakness and an abnormal heart rhythm. In severe cases, having an electrolyte imbalance can be life threatening. Some laxatives can stimulate muscles in the gut, helping them promote the movement of stool through it.
Taking any stimulant laxatives too frequently may cause dependency. More research is necessary on this effect, but some experts believe that the gut may become increasingly dependent on stimulation. Wider explains. These imbalances can also cause symptoms like abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, confusion and seizures, per the Mayo Clinic. Leavey adds. Bottom line: This is not a weight-loss method you want to try. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. First things first: What are laxatives?
Long-term use of laxatives can actually perpetuate your constipation issues. Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach. She received a double B. Korin has been published in Depression: Depression can be associated with laxative abuse.
Constipation due to laxative abuse can leave people feeling ill and uncomfortable. They may also be embarrassed and ashamed about their condition. People often feel they need to keep laxative abuse hidden, causing stress and shame.
While any of these laxatives can be abused, the typical choice for those with an eating disorder is stimulant laxatives. While there may be a short-term benefit in using these teas or supplements for the occasional constipation, these are not meant to be used regularly. As with laxatives, the digestive tract can develop a dependence on them. There can also be rebound weight gain as water returns to the intestines and colon. This increase in weight can trigger individuals to continue using laxatives, but for a longer amount of time, and in higher quantities.
Using these herbal products and supplements can be just as harmful as purchasing a package of laxatives from the grocery store. Laxative abuse, unfortunately, is more common than most people realize. People with anorexia were most likely to report misuse of laxatives, compared to those with bulimia or binge eating disorder. Laxative abuse is also common among people not diagnosed, or not yet diagnosed, with eating disorders. A study in the journal Pediatrics of 13, young people ages 13 to 25 found that by age 23 to 25, Males reported virtually no laxative abuse, but were much more likely to use muscle building substances than females.
In this study, females began experimenting with laxative use during their teenage years. Laxatives may be used by people with bulimia to purge, and also with anorexia to control calories consumed.
Laxative abuse is also common among a subgroup of individuals who have anorexia with purging behavior. Those who use laxatives to purge often demonstrate longer duration of illness, around 10 years on average. The longer the duration of anorexia and laxative abuse, the more likely the individual will suffer extended health complications throughout life, even after the behavior ceases. To complicate matters even further for people with eating disorders, when individuals who have abused stimulant laxatives stop using the medication, they can experience quick weight gain due to rehydration.
This fast weight gain can trigger additional binging, purging, or calorie restriction behaviors. When people start using laxatives, they can find it very difficult to stop. When laxative abuse is a part of an eating disorder, treatment from a team of experienced medical and mental health professionals, registered dietitians and counselors is crucial to recovery. Initially, patients need to be rehydrated and body electrolytes and minerals stabilized.
These include laxatives, stool softeners, lubricants, and tap water enemas. Here is what you need to know about laxatives:. The benefit of laxatives is that you can purchase them without a doctor's prescription and they are generally safe and effective. Laxatives may help prevent constipation caused by some drugs or prevent straining to have a bowel movement, which might be dangerous for some people. Laxatives can be useful constipation remedies, but they are not a substitute for eating enough fiber, getting regular exercise, and drinking plenty of fluid.
Other ways to avoid constipation are to never ignore the urge to have a bowel movement, set aside regular times of the day for a bowel movement, and avoid foods that are high in fats and sugar.
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