Do laxatives help you lose weight? Laxatives are a popular method of weight loss, but it is not the most recommended when it comes to losing weight. Laxatives are meant to help to stimulate bowel movements or loosen up stool. It is meant to treat constipation and relieve gas.
Laxatives can help you lose water weight quickly, not body fat loss. The only weight you lose by taking a laxative is water weight so don’t think is a permanent weight loss product because it is not. There was a study that showed that laxatives were not effective at controlling your weight. And that same study showed that laxative use was common among overweight and obese teenagers.
Do laxatives help you lose weight? Photo credit: iStock-Michelle Lee Photography
Research studies have shown that 4% of the general population engages in laxative abuse. If you take too many laxatives it can lead to severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Some of the most common symptoms of dehydration from laxative abuse are:
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Dry Mouth
- Increased Thirst
- Dizziness
There are several different types of laxatives.
- Stimulant Laxatives-It works by speeding up the movement of the digestive tract.
- Stool Softeners- This allows stool to absorb more water making your stool softer.
- Saline Laxatives- Water is drawn in the small intestines and helps to promote bowel movements.
- Osmotic laxative- This causes the colon to retain more water and helps to increase bowel movement frequency.
Laxatives are known to cause an electrical imbalance. And some of the most common electrolytes are chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphate. An electrolyte imbalance is one the most dangerous side effects of laxative abuse. Some of the most common symptoms of electrolyte imbalance is:
- Thirst
- Headaches
- Heart Palpitations
- Fatigue
- Weaknesses
- Muscle Aches
The best way to lose weight over taking some silly laxative is following a sensible diet and exercise program.
Weight Loss Tips Over Taking A Laxative
#1 Fruits and vegetables which are high in nutrients and fiber and low in calories. #2 Is exercising and combining that with a vigorous cardiovascular and weight-training program. #3 Is decreasing your intake of added sugar and minimizing processed foods. #4 Minimize your alcohol intake as alcohol carries a lot of empty calories. #5 If your calories are low and balanced in macronutrients it will help you lose weight.
“The only weight you lose by taking a laxative is water weight so don’t think is a permanent weight loss product because it is not.” Celebrity Fitness & Nutrition Expert Obi Obadike
The Bottom Line is laxatives for weight loss are not an advisable fat loss strategy. The only weight you will lose is water weight and it is not healthy whatsoever. Being on a sensible diet and exercise program is the best weight loss strategy.
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References
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- Ludwig DS, Peterson KE, Gortmaker SL. Relation between consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks and childhood obesity: a prospective, observational analysis. Lancet. 2001 Feb 17;357(9255):505-8. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(00)04041-1. PMID: 11229668.
- Copeland PM. Renal failure associated with laxative abuse. Psychother Psychosom. 1994;62(3-4):200-2. doi: 10.1159/000288923. PMID: 7531354.
- Wiegelmann W, Borchard F, Irmscher K. Leberschädigung durch Laxantien. Ein Beitrag zur Hepatotoxizität von 4,4′-(2-Chinolyl-methylen)-diphenolhydrochlorid [Liver damage caused by laxatives. A contribution to the hepatotoxicity of 4,4′-(2-quinolylmethylene)-diphenol-hydrochloride]. Arzneimittelforschung. 1975 Jun;25(6):849-51. German. PMID: 169854.
- Portalatin M, Winstead N. Medical management of constipation. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012 Mar;25(1):12-9. doi: 10.1055/s-0032-1301754. PMID: 23449608; PMCID: PMC3348737.
- Neims DM, McNeill J, Giles TR, Todd F. Incidence of laxative abuse in community and bulimic populations: a descriptive review. Int J Eat Disord. 1995 Apr;17(3):211-28. doi: 10.1002/1098-108x(199504)17:3<211::aid-eat2260170302>3.0.co;2-i. PMID: 7773258.
- Boutelle K, Neumark-Sztainer D, Story M, Resnick M. Weight control behaviors among obese, overweight, and nonoverweight adolescents. J Pediatr Psychol. 2002 Sep;27(6):531-40. doi: 10.1093/jpepsy/27.6.531. PMID: 12177253.
