Site icon Weight Loss for Busy People

Weight Loss Laxatives – Are You Mad?

Take weight loss laxatives? No, no, no…can we be anymore emphatic than that? If you have a brain cell in your head do not use laxatives for weight loss. Laxatives have a purpose, and it’s not to help you lose weight.

People with eating disorders will use laxatives to purge their system after eating. Frequent use is dangerous and will play havoc with your digestive system if used for any length of time.

Their use is habit forming and will interfere with your body’s absorption of essential nutrients.

As we’ve said repeatedly on this site, the only route to healthy weight loss is a calorie controlled diet full of healthy fruit, veg, wholegrains and some protein combined with regular exercise.

1-2 lbs is the maximum healthy weight loss you can expect each week. Anything more than that is water in the early stages and muscle in the long term.

So Why Are Weight Loss Laxatives a No-No…?

Laxatives when used properly are designed to help the bowel empty after eating and only once the food and nutrients have been digested and absorbed.

Constipation is uncomfortable, and the occasional use of laxatives can help. They soften the stool and make it easier for your body to egest it via the gastro-intestinal tract.

A fibre-rich diet for the vast majority of constipation sufferers is a much better and more healthy option!

Not only do laxatives when taken inappropriately impede the body’s absorption of nutrients, they cause water loss and dehydration.

When your body becomes dehydrated you retain water, which can lead to bloating and a distended stomach.

Guess what happens next? You take more laxatives to get rid of the bloating, which leads to more dehydration and bloating…

In extreme cases, the dehydration caused by excessive and frequent laxative use can kill you.

Several top, competitive bodybuilders have died due to laxative abuse in an attempt to rid themselves of water between the muscles and skin immediately prior to a competition.

Laxatives can also cause serious gastric upset and bowel irritation, a build up of toxins and a depedency on laxatives to achieve a bowel movement.

The Bottom Line…

Apologies for being blunt, but don’t be so stupid!

Find a healthy weight loss plan that you like with plenty of fibre-rich foods and water and you’ll lose weight and keep yourself regular.

Taking weight loss laxatives is a mug’s game and will do some serious damage to your health and well being.

Exit mobile version