Laxatives come in many forms; pills, tea, capsules, liquids, and the list goes on. Laxatives will work for short term weight loss, but pose a formidable health risk.
Laxatives are supposed to be used on rare occasions, not for long periods of time. The laxative empties the large bowel after food has been absorbed into your system through the small intestines. Using laxatives for weight loss will cause fluid loss and in more severe cases dehydration.
Since three-quarters of the body’s weight is made up of water internally, even mild dehydration will affect your ability to concentrate; it can result in noticeably lower energy levels, and prevent organs from functioning efficiently.
Dehydration affects you on the outside first with symptoms of dry skin and cuticles. The skin will actually age producing wrinkles and dullness. Your skin will seem loose and less firm. A pinch test will demonstrate whether you have dehydration. Pinch a small amount of skin and pull it upward. If the skin stays in place rather than returning immediately to a flat, taut position, you are experiencing a loss of fluids. More severe cases of dehydration can result in kidney damage.
Even mild dehydration has been linked to depression. More prolonged dehydration can result in muscle fatigue and a loss of coordination.
Anyone can lose weight with laxatives, but the weight loss is primarily a result of fluid loss and the bowel being stimulated to dump. The laxatives backfire by triggering periodic bloating when the body is attempting to recover the lost fluids.
When a laxative user stops using the laxatives returning to their normal diet, the pounds automatically pile right back on because the weight loss was temporary.
Abusing laxatives slows down your metabolism and will prevent absorption of important nutrients, which with continued use will result in nutritional deficiencies.
Extensive laxative use can also result in an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes are the primarily the minerals potassium and sodium in your system and they need to be in a precise balance at all times. When the electrolytes are tampered with, the result directly affects the heart, brain function, and respiration all of which are directly dependent on your electrolytes.
Ultimately, using laxatives will only offer very short term weight loss and the health risks involved far outweigh the benefits.
If you want to lose the weight and keep it off for good, the best approach is to find a weight loss program that works for you and combine it with a realistic and fun exercise program.
