Knowledge Builders

does laxative make you lose weight

by Maurine Schulist Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Laxatives do not reduce body weight in the long term. Laxatives have several potential side effects, including diarrhea and dehydration. Eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly may help a person reach their desired weight.

Full Answer

Is taking laxatives a good way to lose weight?

Stool Softeners vs.

  • Summary: Laxative use can alter the balance of electrolytes in the body and can cause many adverse side effects, such as fatigue, muscle aches and heart palpitations.
  • It is basically for short-term relief, both for weight loss and constipation.
  • They could be a warning sign that something is off. ...

More items...

What laxative does it take to lose weight?

Slimming tea is one of the great laxatives for losing weight. By consuming slimming tea helps to speed up the digestion, which in turn you can burn more calories. If you’re suffered from the digestive problems and want to get in shape, consume slimming tea on a regular basis. 2. Saline laxatives: Do you know what is meant by saline laxatives?

Can taking Xanax help you lose weight?

Xanax doesn’t make you lose weight. In fact, regular benzodiazepine addiction will cause a spike in appetite and a steep weight loss while in withdrawal. xanax brings a person comfort, getting rid of excess anxiety. anxiety and appetite is strongl...

Does taking Vicodin make you lose weight?

When it comes to losing weight this is absolutely normal with such big dose of vicodin. In my opinion you need to talk with your doctor as soon as possible and if you continue to lose weight you will probably have to eat supplements for gaining weight.

image

What are the 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: 1 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 ( 12 ). 2 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 ( 13 ). 3 Liver damage: A case study reported that laxative use contributed to liver damage in one patient ( 14 ). 4 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 ( 15 ).

Why do people take laxatives?

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

What is the best laxative for bowel movement?

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.

What is stool softener?

Stool softeners: These allow stool to absorb more water, making it softer for easier passage. Summary: Laxatives help stimulate bowel movements. They’re a remedy for constipation as well as a popular tool for weight loss. Different types of laxatives help induce bowel movements in different ways.

How do laxatives work?

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 ( 1. Trusted Source. ).

What type of laxatives work by speeding up the movement of the digestive tract?

The main types are ( 1. Trusted Source. ): 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.

What electrolytes are thrown off?

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.

What is a laxative?

What Are Laxatives? Laxatives are medicines that assist in stimulating bowel movements, loosening up the stool to help make it easier to pass. These are used to treat constipation and similar conditions, which are caused by difficult, infrequent, and/or painful bowel movements.

How does laxative work?

This is because you lose water (and stool) weight with laxatives, as it works by pulling water from the body and into your intestines. The stool will absorb even water to make it easier to pass, which is why you feel less bloated and lighter. However, your body will regain the water lost from taking the laxative and passing stool in a few hours ...

Why do people abuse laxatives?

There have been some studies that estimate about 4% of the general population have abused laxatives for various reasons, such as weight loss. A small study even shows that those with eating disorders have used laxatives to prevent gaining weight. Laxatives to not help you burn excess fat.

Is it better to lose weight with exercise or diet?

They will just make numbers go little down on scale creating an illusion of weight loss. That’s why it’s better to find healthier ways to lose weight, with a proper weight loss program which includes healthy eating and exercise along with medical treatment. By doing so, you still lose weight while staying fit and healthy.

What are the side effects of laxatives?

Laxatives have several potential side effects, including diarrhea and dehydration.

How do laxatives help with constipation?

Laxatives treat constipation by softening the stool or stimulating bowel movements. People may assume that passing more stools will lead to weight loss. However, although people may feel “lighter” temporarily, there is no evidence to support the use of laxatives as a safe or effective weight loss method.

What is the purpose of laxatives?

Laxatives are a type of medication that people use to relieve constipation. Sometimes, people without constipation take laxatives in the belief that these drugs will help them lose weight.

Why is it important to lose weight?

Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce risk factors for major health problems, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, it is vital to lose weight in a safe and sustainable way.

Can laxatives cause dry mouth?

Dehydration. Dehydration from taking laxatives may cause headaches, thirst, and a dry mouth. 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.

Can you take laxatives for weight loss?

Taking laxatives for weight loss is an unsafe and ineffective strategy. Doctors do not recommend laxatives as a way to lose weight. Research suggests. that while some people mistakenly believe that taking laxatives will prevent their body from absorbing calories, it is an unsafe and ineffective strategy.

Do laxatives reduce fat?

However, this effect is only temporary. Laxatives do not reduce body fat or promote long-term weight loss. Even at high doses, stimulant laxatives, which encourage the movement of stool through the digestive tract, have only a “ modest effect. Trusted Source.

Why does my weight go down after taking a laxative?

It’s possible you might see the number on the scale go down right after you use a laxative. But this is only because they make you lose water and nutrients. As soon as you drink something, the weight will come back.

What are laxatives?

Laxatives are intended to treat constipation. You can buy many laxatives over the counter without a prescription. They are available as liquids, pills, powders and other forms. They work in different ways:

How do laxatives work?

Laxatives are intended to treat constipation. You can buy many laxatives over the counter without a prescription. They are available as liquids, pills, powders and other forms. They work in different ways: 1 Bulk-forming laxatives (common brands Metamucil and Citrocel) are often powders you mix into a liquid and drink. They add fiber to your diet, which causes your stool to absorb more water from your body. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass. 2 Lubricant laxatives come as glycerin suppositories you insert into your anus. The glycerin coats the stool and makes it glide out more easily. 3 Osmotic laxatives make the intestines hold more water. This softens the stool and makes it easier to have a bowel movement. Polyethylene glycol (Miralax) and magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) are osmotic laxatives. 4 Stimulant laxatives force the bowel to contract to eliminate stool. 5 Stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace), add water and fat to your stool. The overall effect is similar to osmotic and bulk-forming laxatives.

What is the difference between a lubricant laxative and an osmotic laxative?

This makes the stool softer and easier to pass. Lubricant laxatives come as glycerin suppositories you insert into your anus. The glycerin coats the stool and makes it glide out more easily. Osmotic laxatives make the intestines hold more water. This softens the stool and makes it easier to have a bowel movement.

What is a bulk forming laxative?

Bulk-forming laxatives (common brands Metamucil and Citrocel) are often powders you mix into a liquid and drink. They add fiber to your diet, which causes your stool to absorb more water from your body. This makes the stool softer and easier to pass. Lubricant laxatives come as glycerin suppositories you insert into your anus.

How long can you take laxatives?

Only use laxatives for a short time. Don’t take them for more than one week.

How to know how much laxative to take?

Before you take a laxative, read the directions on the package. It will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. If you don’t understand, ask a pharmacist or call your doctor. Using more than the recommended dose can be dangerous.

Laxatives for Weight Loss – Are They Safe?

Using laxatives for weight loss is not a safe bet. They can be dangerous and even life-threatening if the method leads to laxative abuse. The use of laxatives for weight loss is especially dangerous when coupled with an eating disorder.

How Do Laxatives Work?

Laxatives work in different ways, depending on the type. All have the same intention, to increase stool frequency with ease to relieve constipation. Here’s how the four main laxatives work.

Safer Laxatives Alternative to Lose Weight

As taking laxatives can be an unsafe and ineffective strategy to lose weight, it’s best to find an alternative.

Can You Eat After Taking a Laxative?

How long you must wait before eating after taking laxatives depends on the type and brand. However, the results of laxatives are slowed when taken with food.

Is It Bad to Take Laxatives Every Day?

Whether you are using laxatives for weight loss or preventing constipation, you should not use laxatives daily except for certain bulk-forming types, which are safe for regular use.

Side Effects of Using Laxatives

Frequent laxative use can cause various health complications that range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include:

Do Laxatives Make You Skinny?

No, laxatives do not make you skinny. If your body weight drops while taking laxatives, the result is likely due to losing water. They do not contribute to a reduction in body fat.

Why do laxatives cause dehydration?

Laxatives cause food to be broken down and forced through the digestive system, but if you’re not eating enough they can cause cramps and dehydration because there is no food to move through your intestines. If you’re already on a restrictive diet, you don’t want to use laxatives at all.

When you are deciding on a weight loss plan that includes a diet plan and a workout schedule, it?

When you are deciding on a weight loss plan that includes a diet plan and a workout schedule, it implies you might have to change your eating habits and daily schedule.

Why do diet plans fail?

Most people resist change, which is the primary reason behind the failure of most diet plans. However, if you choose the diet plan that fits your personality and lifestyle, then the chances of creating a successful diet plan are dramatically increased.

Can you take laxatives to lose weight?

It’s never good to consider using laxatives to lose weight for any length of time, as they can interfere with your body’s healthy abilities to digest food and move waste through your system.

Is it easier to lose weight with a weight loss plan?

However, you must remember that it will be easier to follow a weight loss plan when you are comfortable with the changes .

What are the side effects of laxatives?from healthline.com

In addition to causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and possible dependence, laxative use has been associated with a number of other dangerous side effects, including: 1 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 ( 12 ). 2 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 ( 13 ). 3 Liver damage: A case study reported that laxative use contributed to liver damage in one patient ( 14 ). 4 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 ( 15 ).

Why do people take laxatives?from webmd.com

Taking Laxatives to Lose Weight. Sometimes people think that laxatives will help move their food through their body before the body absorbs any calories. So they may take laxatives after eating a big meal or binge eating. They think this helps lose weight or will stop them from gaining weight. This is not true.

What should I eat and drink if I’m constipated?from niddk.nih.gov

Eat enough fiber. Drink plenty of liquids to help the fiber work better.

Why do laxatives make numbers go down?from numeomedical.com

They may temporarily make numbers on the scale go down! This is because you lose water (and stool) weight with laxatives, as it works by pulling water from the body and into your intestines. The stool will absorb even water to make it easier to pass, which is why you feel less bloated and lighter.

How many people have bulimia nervosa?from healthline.com

One small study measured the daily food intake and eating habits of 30 patients with bulimia nervosa, a type of eating disorder that involves eating large amounts of food and then using methods such as self-induced vomiting or laxatives to prevent weight gain.

How to reduce calories?from healthline.com

Reduce your portion sizes: Smaller portions mean fewer calories. One study even found that simply using smaller plates caused participants to eat less ( 19 ).

Can laxatives cause eating disorders?from webmd.com

Eating disorder. People who use laxatives to lose weight are more likely to get an eating disorder. Other side effects. Laxatives can cause other serious problems in your digestive tract. If you bleed from your rectum or take laxatives and don’t have any bowel movements, you should see your doctor right away.

Do not use laxatives for weight loss

Most people think laxatives are the best way to lose weight and lose it fast, but that’s not always the case. The fact is that laxatives have a negative impact on your body.

Do not cause electrolyte imbalance

While laxatives are useful for helping you go to the bathroom, they don’t work to help you get rid of excess water. These chemicals actually deplete the body of electrolytes. The long-term effects of an electrolyte imbalance can be harmful and even fatal.

What is the best laxative for weight loss?

Here are some of the best laxatives for weight loss, I’m sure the following laxatives help you to remain in shape. Slimming tea. Saline laxatives. Lubricant laxatives. Emollient laxatives. Hyperosmolar laxatives. 1. Slimming tea: Slimming tea is one of the great laxatives for losing weight.

What are the ingredients in saline laxatives?

Saline laxatives contain ions that include sulphate, phosphate and magnesium help in losing weight.

What fruits and vegetables help you lose weight?

You’re already familiar with the weight loss of fruits and vegetables. Alright! Lets’ have a closer look at some of the excellent weight loss fruits. They are as follows: 1 Banana 2 Pineapple 3 Orange 4 Grapefruit 5 Strawberries and so on.

Do saline laxatives burn fat?

Do you know what is meant by saline laxatives? Are these laxatives helps in burning fat? Definitely, yes, this kind of iron-rich laxatives help in burning fat.

Can emollient laxatives help you lose weight?

Next to the emollient laxatives, like other laxatives, this also plays a major role in losing weight without any side effects. If you want to lose weight as soon as possible, consume emollient laxatives.

Is slimming tea good for you?

Slimming tea is one of the great laxa tives for losing weight. By consuming slimming tea helps to speed up the digestion, which in turn you can burn more calories. If you’re suffered from the digestive problems and want to get in shape, consume slimming tea on a regular basis. 2. Saline laxatives:

Do hyperosmolar laxatives help with weight loss?

Do hyperosmolar laxatives help in burning fat? Yes, this laxative plays a major role in losing weight and to get in shape forever. And, it results in stool softening.

image

1.Taking Laxatives for Weight Loss: Is It Safe? - WebMD

Url:https://www.webmd.com/diet/taking-laxatives-to-lose-weight

6 hours ago WebSo if you use laxatives and you lose weight, you are just losing water. As soon as you drink something, you will gain the weight back. Side Effects of Taking Laxatives for Weight Loss

2.Do Laxatives Help You Lose Weight? The Truth Revealed!

Url:https://www.numeomedical.com/blog/do-laxatives-help-you-lose-weight-the-truth-revealed

20 hours ago Web · Summary: Laxative use can result in a temporary loss of water weight. However, studies suggest this is not an effective method for long-term weight loss. …

3.Videos of Does Laxative Make You Lose Weight

Url:/videos/search?q=does+laxative+make+you+lose+weight&qpvt=does+laxative+make+you+lose+weight&FORM=VDRE

13 hours ago Web · Technically, laxatives do have you lose weight, which is why many people report its effectiveness. There have been some studies that estimate about 4% of the …

4.Laxatives for weight loss: Why they are not safe or effective

Url:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325892

17 hours ago WebLaxatives do not reduce body weight in the long term. Laxatives have several potential side effects, including diarrhea and dehydration. Eating a nutritious diet and exercising …

5.The Truth About Laxatives and Weight Loss - Healthgrades

Url:https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/digestive-health/the-truth-about-laxatives-and-weight-loss

25 hours ago WebMany people think laxatives can help with weight control. This is a myth. Using a laxative won’t help you slim down. Some people mistakenly believe laxatives make food move …

6.Laxatives for Weight Loss Explained | HealthReporter

Url:https://healthreporter.com/laxatives-for-weight-loss/

15 hours ago Web · As laxatives are not purposefully designed to help you lose weight, misusing them for this purpose can bring multiple adverse effects. Laxatives are not a healthful …

7.Laxatives To Lose Weight - How Much Weight Can You …

Url:https://www.fatburneronly.com/laxatives-to-lose-weight/

6 hours ago WebUsing laxatives as directed can help you to move food and waste through your system so that you lose weight and inches around your belly. If you notice that your weight gain is …

8.Laxatives for Weight Loss - Eating Disorder Story | Marie …

Url:https://www.marieclaire.com/health-fitness/a4415/laxative-eating-disorder/

23 hours ago Web · One day, after listening to me whine about my weight for the hundredth time, my roommate suggested a solution: a little pink pill—a laxative. "It'll change your life," she …

9.How Much Weight Can You Lose With Laxatives? - 2022

Url:https://www.dryseacucumber.com/how-much-weight-can-you-lose-with-laxatives.html

24 hours ago Web · Using laxatives to induce bowel movement is an increasingly popular way to lose weight. In fact, 4% of people worldwide abuse laxatives for weight loss. Regardless …

10.Top 5 Best Laxatives for Weight Loss in 2022

Url:https://fergusonaction.com/best-laxatives-for-weight-loss/

18 hours ago Web · If yes, in this article, I am going to share you some of the best laxatives for weight loss. Laxatives play an important role in losing weight. You know, laxatives are …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9