What Are Laxatives?
Laxatives are herbal or chemical medicines that help loosen the stool and improve bowel movement (1). According to the American Gastroenterological Association, doctors commonly prescribe laxatives to those dealing with constipation (2). Laxatives help add bulk to the stool and push out the waste from the digestive tract. There are various types of laxatives, as discussed in the next section.
Types Of Laxatives
Bulk Forming Or Fiber Laxatives: Fiber is naturally present in husk, veggies, fruits, etc. Fiber laxative is recommended by doctors for slow transit constipation, bloating, and cramping. These laxatives absorb water and add bulk to the stool (3). Osmotic Laxatives: These are chemical hydrating agents that draw water into the intestine and soften the stool (3). Lubricant Laxatives: These are laxatives that contain mineral oil as one of the components and make the stool slippery and easy to pass (3). Stimulant Laxatives: These laxatives stimulate the lining of the digestive tract to help flush the stool out from the body (3). Guanylate Cyckase-C Agonist Laxatives: These increase the amount of water in the GI tract (3). Emollient Laxatives or Stool Softeners: These help soften the stool and are generally recommended for people recovering from surgery or women who have just given birth (3).
There’s not a single laxative doctors specifically recommend for weight loss. So, why do dieters use laxatives to lose weight? Are they effective? Let’s find out.
Do Laxatives Aid Weight Loss?
Laxatives do not aid weight loss. They are meant to help people get relief from constipation. But here’s why many people use/abuse laxatives for weight loss. Laxatives speed up the movement of the digested food in the small intestine. The small intestine is where all the nutrients get absorbed. And when the nutrients are not absorbed properly, the body absorbs fewer calories. But will this help you lose the flab and achieve a toned body and a healthy mind? No. You may lose water weight, but not fat. After losing 1 to 2 pounds, your weight loss will stall. You may continue using laxatives to lose more weight, but they will only harm your health. Moreover, there is no scientific research supporting the effectiveness of laxatives for weight loss. Yet, people with eating disorders use laxatives to lose weight and look a certain way. This is an unhealthy practice and laxative abuse only further deteriorates your physical and mental health. Remember the following points about laxatives.
What You Need To Know Before Using Laxatives For Weight Loss
What if you use laxatives for more than 2 days to lose weight?
Side Effects Of Using Laxatives For Weight Loss
Dehydration
One of the first effects of overusing laxatives is dehydration (5). Most laxatives tend to draw water into the digestive tract from the surrounding tissue to soften the stool, leading to dehydration. When you are dehydrated, your cell function and metabolic rate will go down, and your brain function will be compromised.
Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolytes play an important role in proper cell function, cell division, cell signaling, etc. And the main electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphate, and magnesium. Overusing laxatives lead to an imbalance in the electrolyte levels that can involve the renal and cardiovascular systems (6). If you are using laxatives and suffer from a headache, muscle fatigue, weakness, and heart palpitations, stop their use and consult a doctor immediately.
Kidney Failure
Constant use of laxatives may lead to kidney or renal disorders (5). When that happens, over time, your kidneys may become weak and fail.
GI Tract Damage
Long-term use of laxatives may irritate the GI tract lining, leading to inflammation and loss of function (5).
Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is caused due to severe injury and muscle death (7). Using laxatives for days to lose weight may lead to muscle loss, weakness, and even muscle death. This can lead to an overdose of harmful protein in the bloodstream causing further complications.
Liver Damage
Taking too many chemical tablets is not good for your liver. Using too many herbal laxatives may lead to liver damage. However, more research is needed in this regard.
Depression
Since laxatives do not actually help you lose the flab, you will not lose weight after losing the initial water weight. This may trigger obsessive-compulsive actions and depression.
Other Side Effects
Dizziness Diarrhea Nausea Abdominal cramps Now that you know there are so many disadvantages to using laxatives as weight loss agents, you may want to consider the next best options to lose weight quickly. Well, here’s what you’ve got to do.
Ways To Lose Weight Quickly
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 2015 and 2018, one in five adults aged 20 and above followed a diet plan on a given day, and weight loss or low-calorie diets were the commonly followed diet plans (9). However, several fad diets show no improvement. Following the points given below may help you know better:
Understand that quick weight loss is not sustainable. You may go for it if you have an upcoming occasion, but do it safely. Eating lesser calories than required by your body will eventually slow down your metabolism and make you look tired and worn out on the day of the special occasion. Choose a diet plan that you can sustain. Most VLCD and crazy diets are not sustainable. Use the substitute method to slowly get into the habit of eating clean. Substitute high-calorie foods with low-calorie, high-fiber, high-protein, and healthy fats. Snack on low-calorie foods like hummus and baby carrot, cucumber, tomato, nuts etc. Exercise regularly, and you will be physically and mentally fit.
Is milk a laxative? While consuming too much dairy products can lead to constipation some people can get things going with a glass of warm milk. Do laxatives clean you out? Yes, laxatives make your bowel movement regular, helping to flush out waste and toxins from your body. However, overuse for prolonged time is not recommended. How much weight can I lose with laxatives? Laxatives are not meant to be used for weight loss. Do models take laxatives? No, laxative is not recommended for models or anyone trying to lose weight.
