ARE LAXATIVES SAFE FOR WEIGHT LOSS?

Many people turn to laxatives when they’re looking to lose weight fast.

However, there are serious concerns over the safety and effectiveness of using laxatives for weight loss.

This article explores more. 

What Are Laxatives 

Laxatives  are medications people use to help stimulate bowel movements or loosen up stool to ease its passage.

They are often used to treat constipation, a condition caused by infrequent, painful or difficult bowel movements.

They have also become a popular method for weight loss. Many people believe that using laxatives can help increase the frequency of bowel movements and allow for quick, easy and effortless weight loss.

However, the truth of their safety and effectiveness is another story, as you’ll see later in this article.

There are a few different classes of laxatives that work in different ways. The main types are:

• Stimulant laxatives: These work by speeding up the movement of the digestive tract.
• Osmotic-type laxatives: This type causes the colon to retain more water, which increases bowel movement frequency.
• Bulk-forming laxatives: These move through the intestines undigested, absorbing water and adding bulk to stool.
• Saline laxatives: With these, water is drawn into the small intestine, which helps promote a bowel movement.
• Lubricant laxatives: This type of laxative coats the surface of the stool as well as the lining of the intestines to ease bowel movements.
• Stool softeners: These allow stool to absorb more water, making it softer for easier passage.

Laxatives and Weight Loss

Laxative use has become incredibly common among those looking to shed a few pounds quickly. In fact, some studies estimate that more than 4% of the general population engages in laxative abuse.

It is true that laxatives may help increase weight loss, but the results are only temporary.

Several types of laxatives work by pulling water from your body into the intestines, allowing stool to absorb more water for an easier passage. With this method, the only weight you’ll lose is from the water you excrete through stool.

To date, there have been no studies supporting the idea that laxative use can lead to lasting weight loss.

Instead, it can lead to dangerous side effects like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and possibly even dependence

–Use of Laxatives Can Lead To Dehydration 

One of the most common side effects of laxative use is dehydration.

This is because many laxatives work by drawing water into the intestines from other tissues, resulting in a loss of water through the stool.

If you're not careful to replenish the water that is lost, it can lead to dehydration.

Common symptoms of dehydration include headaches, reduced urine output, increased thirst, fatigue, dry skin and dizziness.

Dehydration may also be linked to more serious side effects.

–Use of Laxatives Can Cause Electrolyte Imbalance 

Electrolytes are substances dissolved in your bodily fluids that are important for helping your cells and tissues function normally.

Some common electrolytes include chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphate.

If the balance of these essential electrolytes is thrown off, it can cause dangerous side effects including seizures, confusion and coma.

Laxatives may lead to the loss of important electrolytes. This could create an electrolyte imbalance, one of the most dangerous side effects of laxative abuse.

Common symptoms of electrolyte imbalance can include thirst, headaches, heart palpitations, fatigue, weakness and muscle aches.

Other Possible Side Effects Of Laxatives

In addition to causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and possible dependence, laxative use has been associated with a number of other dangerous side effects, including:

• Rhabdomyolysis: One case study showed that laxative abuse may have induced rhabdomyolysis, causing the rapid deterioration of muscle tissue and the release of a harmful protein into the bloodstream.
• Gastrointestinal damage: A small study found that some recovered anorexia patients had changes in gastrointestinal function and long-term pancreatic damage as a result of former laxative use.
• Liver damage: A case study reported that laxative use contributed to liver damage in one patient.
• Kidney failure: Another case study showed that overusing laxatives appeared to have caused severe kidney failure requiring dialysis, a treatment that helps remove waste and toxins from the blood

Better Ways To Loose Weight  

If you are using unhealthy weight loss methods like laxatives, purging or severe food restriction, stop and seek professional help to prevent long-term consequences to your health.

There are many better, safer and more effective ways to lose weight without putting your health on the line.

Here are some simple, proven ways to shed extra pounds:

• Eat more fruits and vegetables:They’re low in calories, but rich in fiber. A higher intake of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lower body weight.
• Increase your physical activity:Participating in aerobic exercise a few times per week can aid in weight loss and help prevent weight regain.
• Reduce your portion sizes: Smaller portions mean fewer calories. One study even found that simply using smaller plates caused participants to eat less.
• Eat a high-protein breakfast: Starting your day with a protein-packed breakfast has been shown to reduce appetite and food intake over the course of the day.
• Decrease your intake of added sugars: Sugar is high in calories, low in nutrients and leads to weight gain. Research shows that drinking sugar-sweetened beverages may be associated with obesity