The risks of using laxatives for weight reduction

Some individuals are eager to drop extra pounds. Others are afraid to take it. This sometimes results in dangerous behavior. Among them is the usage of laxatives for weight reduction.

We must start by clarifying that laxatives don’t function a technique to drop extra pounds or help burn fat. Additionally, improper, excessive, and unsupervised use could cause serious harm to health, as discussed below.

What are laxatives and what are they used for?

Laxatives are a category of medicine that should only be administered on prescription. There are two types: rectal laxatives and oral laxatives.

Their purpose is to advertise the movement of food through the digestive system. They speed up the elimination of feces, when the intestine is affected.

They are generally beneficial to combat constipation, increase stool volume or facilitate urination. For example, if an individual has a fractured tailbone, straining during defecation may affect it. In this case, laxatives temporarily contribute to at least one’s well-being.

Their administration may be needed when endoscopic studies should be performed. However, it’s the attending physician who will determine the kind of laxatives to be administered and the dose, in addition to the duration for which the patient must take them.

Those that contain extracts of natural products are preferred. If you may have difficulty having frequent bowel movements, it is suggested to extend fiber consumption, with a view to profit from their natural laxative properties.

Are laxatives helpful for weight reduction?

Some people resort to laxatives to attempt to drop extra pounds. As we’ve already said, these medications aren’t intended for this purpose.

In this regard, based on the outcomes of a study carried out in Barranquilla (Colombia), amongst young people aged between 14 and 18 years old and amongst whom dangerous behaviors related to bulimia predominate, 18.2% admitted to engaging in one of these practice.

Furthermore, we consider that those that are inclined to be obese usually tend to achieve this. However, it ought to be noted that young people aren’t the one ones who use it.

Regarding the effectiveness of laxatives for weight reduction, it ought to be clarified that it will not be proven. The reason is that the load lost is made up of fluids.

Laxatives generally affect the functioning of the big intestine, helping with the transit of feces. However, they don’t eliminate the subcutaneous fat accrued within the body. To lose this fat, an adequate weight-reduction plan and sports routine are needed.

A one that uses a laxative to drop extra pounds may lose 1 or 2 kilos of fluids, together with minerals and electrolytes. She will regain them when she rehydrates.

In other words, any weight reduction via laxatives will likely be temporary. The only thing that may remain will likely be the mess it brings.

The risks of using laxatives for weight reduction

There are several risks related to using laxatives for weight reduction. It is a dangerous practice, which may cause various health problems.

Dehydration

Some people use it without medical supervision. As a result, they might use laxatives that aren’t suitable for them or exceed the dose and time. Consequently, severe diarrhea may occur, resulting in dehydration and lack of electrolytes.

Uric acid and kidney problems

By increasing dehydration because of water loss within the stool, urine production also decreases. The consequences point to kidney dysfunction and a rise in uric acid, which may result in the looks of certain pathologies, resembling gout.

Nutrient loss

By speeding up intestinal transit, the body has less time to assimilate certain nutrients. A lack of potassiumfor instance, can result in muscle problems and heart arrhythmias.

Maintaining this practice of taking laxatives for weight reduction will result in dietary imbalance, without necessarily affecting weight.

Anemia

Another problem related to the shortage of certain nutrients is that anemia could appear. This has been detected in individuals with eating disorders, resembling anorexia.

Gastrointestinal problems

Long-term, prolonged use of laxatives may cause irritation of the upper digestive tract and colonaffecting the mucosa, permeability and performance of the intestinal mucosa.

Constipation

The intestines may stop doing their job efficiently. We will due to this fact not have the ability to evacuate without help and, as paradoxical because it could seem, constipation will likely be the consequence.

Anorexia

According to researchyoung individuals who use laxatives to drop extra pounds, in addition to various weight-reduction plan pills, have a better risk of later being diagnosed with anorexia.

Development of other addictive behaviors

One of the largest problems with taking laxatives is that it’s often teenagers who engage in dangerous behaviors without worrying about the implications. Besides the proven fact that the practice can turn out to be addictive, additionally it is often related to the early initiation of the usage of harmful substances, resembling tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.

Lose weight safely

Showing a slim figure can turn out to be an obsession. Although it is suggested to take care of a healthy weight, incurring certain practices is worse in the long term.

It is essential to notice that no weight-reduction plan or activity that makes us sacrifice our own health may be helpful. Taking laxatives to drop extra pounds not only affects health, but is of no use: weight reduction will only be temporary.

If you ought to drop extra pounds without affecting your health, that’s to say without affected by imbalances, you have to eat a healthy weight-reduction plan and exercise often. To do that, you have to contact a nutrition specialist and skilled trainer, who will assist you design a weight-reduction plan and recommend exercises tailored to your caloric needs and work capability.