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Fizza Mahmood
24 Apr 2024
Laxatives help relieve constipation; however, at times are wrongly used as quick weight loss aids without taking into account the multiple harms they can do. They are neither safe nor effective for weight loss.
Laxatives are a type of medication that helps with bowel movement. They are intended to treat constipation and work in various ways. The different types of laxatives are lubricant laxatives, stimulant laxatives, stool softeners, and some are osmotic laxatives.
The only approved use for laxatives is to relieve constipation. Which is defined as having fewer than three bowel movements in a week. It can be uncomfortable, and usually adding more fiber and drinking water helps soften stool naturally. Laxatives, when used safely, usually do not have side effects, though they should only be used short term.
Unfortunately, it is sometimes misused as a weight loss medication. The osmotic laxative effect allows the body to draw more water out of the body than initially what has been drunk. This brings the weight down. Although people may feel lighter, no evidence suggests it is an effective method to lose weight.
Taking laxatives for weight loss doesn't stop your body from taking in calories or gaining weight. The body absorbs calories, fat, and most nutrients before they reach the large intestine. The waste left out is mostly water and some minerals, which the large intestine may decide to absorb. Thus, when taking laxatives for weight loss, you are just losing water, not weight. Once you drink something, the weight will come back.
Weight loss medications are typically prescribed to adults with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher. Furthermore, it can be for those with a BMI of 27 or higher, along with weight-related medical conditions. With laxatives, as they are easily accessible from the shelves, individuals of any BMI can access them, which can be very risky.
It has recently been gaining attention as a supposed budget alternative to prescription medications like Ozempic. Semaglutide (ozempic) is a medication designed to lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. While the most common side effect is weight loss, this has sparked interest among those seeking alternatives to weight loss medications.
However, the social media's portrayal of laxatives as a budget Ozempic is misleading. They are equating laxatives with the benefits of Ozempic, claiming that they are more cost-effective and easily accessible. Laxative abuse poses a serious health risk as individuals do not take into account the dangers of laxatives.
Laxatives work by promoting frequent bowel movements, which leads to increased water loss from the body. The osmotic laxative effect allows the body to draw more water out of the body, which brings the water weight down. Laxatives do not reduce body weight, nor are they a long-term solution for weight loss.
Prolonged weight loss can result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, potentially causing serious health complications. The weekend state can cause feelings weak and confusion with dizzy/fainting spells. Furthermore, individuals can also have blurred vision and muscle fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and headaches.
The chronic use of laxatives for weight loss can lead to dependence on them. This can increase the risk of damage to the gastrointestinal tract. This can result in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other sorts of eating disorders or digestive problems.
Laxatives may interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients in the digestive system. This may lead to nutritional deficiencies and health issues.
Laxatives do not contribute to true weight loss. The initial reduction in weight is often due to the water loss and the emptying of the digestive system. The weight loss is usually short-lived lived and individuals tend to regain their body weight.
Relying on laxatives for weight loss supports an unhealthy mindset and fosters unrealistic expectations. Good weight management requires a healthy diet and being physically active. Quick fixes are not a suitable solution. Therefore, individuals should educate themselves on accurate information and make informed choices about health, and always incorporate diet and exercise.
There are many ways people can start their weight loss journey. General ones include getting regular exercise, consuming the right diet of fruits and vegetables, and swapping out snacks and sugary drinks for healthier alternatives. Individuals should reduce portion sizes or reduce calories for sustainable weight loss.
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce many health problems when achieved safely and sustainably. There are a few appropriate prescription oral or injectable medications that can be taken to aid in weight loss. Some of these can be expensive, while others may be subsidized if individuals have weight-related medical conditions.
The journey should begin with a consultation with healthcare professionals who can provide a personalized approach to an individual's health needs. It is important to make responsible decisions focusing on the long-term lifestyle change rather than quick fixes.Your doctor can run through the possible best weight loss route for your health needs.
Fizza is a registered pharmacist with APHRA and has been with Simple Online Doctor since 2023. With a Bachelor of Pharmacy and 8 plus years of experience as a pharmacist, Fizza has a strong passion to improve patient care via enhancing the quality and continuity of care delivered through digital health platforms.
Tyson is a clinical pharmacist in charge of the development and improvement of patient services. He provides clinical support to our team of healthcare professionals and ensures patient health and wellbeing are at the centre of all our services.
Last Reviewed : 24/04/2024
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