Tropical Weight Loss
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Using laxatives for weight loss is not safe or effective. If a person weighs less after taking laxatives, this is likely to be due to water loss. Water loss from laxative use is temporary and is not the same as losing body fat. Laxatives do not reduce body weight in the long term.
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Read More »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. Using laxatives for weight loss is not safe or effective. There are other, more healthful ways to lose weight and maintain a desired body weight. In this article, we look at whether laxatives aid weight loss. We also discuss the safety of using laxatives for weight loss, alternative weight loss strategies, and when to see a doctor. Do laxatives cause weight loss? Share on Pinterest 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. 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. Laxatives cause water loss, not weight loss The temporary weight loss that people may experience from taking laxatives is actually due to water loss. Losing water is not the same as losing body fat. Many laxatives work by helping the gut absorb more water from the body or keeping water in the gut around the stool. This water softens the stool, making it easier to pass. It may also cause diarrhea, which is very watery stool. As this additional water passes out with the stool, a person may weigh less after using laxatives. 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 ” on calorie absorption. Safety and risks Many laxatives are available over the counter for the treatment of constipation. Misusing laxatives for weight loss may cause the following side effects: Diarrhea People usually use laxatives to relieve constipation. If a person takes laxatives when they are not constipated or uses them too frequently, these drugs may cause diarrhea. Some people who often use laxatives may experience alternating diarrhea and constipation. Dehydration Share on Pinterest 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. Other forms of laxatives may also cause frequent diarrhea that leads to dehydration. Common symptoms of dehydration include: thirst
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