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Laxatives are intended for constipation, not weight loss, and can lead to serious side effects and dangerous complications if used incorrectly.
When you lose weight from laxatives, it is from water weight and stool, not body fat. This weight loss is temporary and you will likely regain the pounds once you rehydrate your body.
Using laxatives for weight loss is one of those diet fads that never seems to go away. They are touted by celebrities, on TV and in movies as a way to lose weight. Now they’re trending on TikTok, with users labeling laxatives as “budget Ozempic,” the diabetes drug also used off-label for weight loss.
The truth is that laxatives do not help you lose weight. But there are safer, proven weight loss options that can actually work. Read on as Ro explains how laxatives work, the risks of using them for weight loss, and what you can do instead.
Laxatives usually are over-the-counter medications designed to help people affected by it constipation and have problems with bowel movements. Typically, laxatives are a consideration after lifestyle changes to relieve constipation, such as following a regular exercise routine and increasing fiber or water intake, have already been tried. Laxatives work in many different ways depending on the type of laxative they are. Some laxatives require a prescription, while others are available without a prescription.
There are many different types of laxatives, the most important of which are:
Bulk-forming laxatives: These are medications such as Metamucil (psyllium) that add bulk to the stool, making it larger and softer by increasing its water content. This allows stool to pass through the large intestine more easily.
Stool softening laxatives: Colace (docusate sodium) works in a different way by making it easier for water and lipids to enter the stool, softening it in its own way.
Osmotic laxatives: Products such as Miralax (polyethylene glycol) draw water from other parts of the body into the colon. This extra water adds volume and pressure, making it easier to have a bowel movement.
Lubricant laxatives: These are solutions such as mineral oil that coat and lubricate feces and intestines. The smooth surface allows stool to pass more easily.
Stimulant laxatives: Dulcolax (bisacodyl) stimulates the intestinal muscles, causing them to contract and move stool through the digestive tract.
Different laxatives may work better for different people. If you are pregnant or have health problems, it is a good idea to ask your healthcare provider what laxative (if any) they recommend. Although laxatives are generally safe when used as directed, several can cause potentially serious side effects for people with certain health conditions.
The idea that laxatives can help with weight loss is a myth that has persisted in popular culture due to a misunderstanding of how laxatives work. Because laxatives help stimulate bowel movements, some people think they speed up the speed at which food moves through the body. The myth is that when food moves quickly, the body doesn’t have a chance to absorb as many calories before passing through the gastrointestinal tract, leading to weight loss.
But that’s not how laxatives work. Laxatives affect the stool and colon, not the stomach or small intestine, where food sits is digested. The body starts absorbing calories from food well before it reaches the colon, where the laxatives work their magic. By the time food reaches the large intestine, it is largely composed of waste. The body will continue absorb some water and any residual electrolytes that go out, but the “weight” lost to laxatives is mainly water weight And stool– no significant amounts of body fat. So after drinking water, the weight returns.
When taken occasionally as directed, laxatives can reliably relieve constipation. However, some short-term side effects may occur, such as diarrhea, nausea, bloating, vomiting, or stomach pain. Normally these are manageable, but when used for weight loss, the side effects of laxatives can become more severe.
Once food enters the large intestine, it absorbs the last remaining valuable bits of waste material: namely water and electrolytes. However, because laxatives speed up this process, they can cause dehydration And disturbances of the electrolyte balance. If you’re not rehydrate or eating right, this can lead to symptoms such as:
Taking laxatives long term can make it difficult to have bowel movements without using them, so this can result in a vicious cycle of chronic constipation where a person becomes dependent on laxatives to defecate. It can even cause physical changes in the intestine, causing the folds to flatten help move stool through your colon, absorbing nutrients along the way. Long-term abuse of laxatives can lead to: potassium deficiencieskidney damage and heart problems that can become dangerous and significantly damage the body.
Taking laxatives to lose weight is part of the spectrum of disordered eating behavior. A study of teens and young adults found that those who used laxatives to lose weight almost lost weight three times more likely to develop an eating disorder within the next five years. Other studies have shown that the eating disorder can develop even earlier– within the next one to three years.
A higher body weight is possible increase the risk for certain health conditions, including diabetes and heart disease. In these situations, health care providers may recommend weight loss. A healthcare provider can help patients understand whether weight loss is a good idea for them and recommend an appropriate treatment plan. If someone is struggling with their body image and self-esteem, a mental health professional can help.
Laxatives are not the way to lose weight. Try these approaches instead lose weight safely and sustainable:
Exercise regularly. Normal physical activity can help with weight loss and weight maintenance. For best results, try to exercise at a moderate level for at least 30 minutes a day, three times a week, and do a mix of resistance and aerobic workouts.
Improve your diet. Calories in versus calories out play the role biggest role for weight loss (or gain). In addition to eating less, eating the right types of foods can also help with weight loss by making people feel fuller. Eat more fruitsvegetables and fiber rich foods enhance the feeling of fullness. Egg white is also a good point to focus on curb hunger pangs. Avoid empty calories where you can. Limit soft drinks and alcohol and reach for them healthier snacks.
Weight loss medications. Certain medications can also aid weight loss when combined with diet and exercise. Ask your healthcare provider about it GLP-1s such as Wegovy (semaglutide), Saxenda (liraglutide), or Zepbound (tirzepatide), depending on the indication. There are also prescription weight loss pills such as Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate) and Opposite (bupropion/naltrexone)
Laxatives are not a safe, effective, or long-lasting way to lose weight. They can cause uncomfortable and potentially dangerous side effects if used long term, and the only weight lost is water and stool. Instead, talk to your healthcare provider about a weight loss plan that includes diet, exercise and, if appropriate, medication.
This story was produced by Ro and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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