Laxatives and Weight Loss – Part 2

After losing fluid from an early bowel movement the body compensates by retaining fluid. So laxatives cause an initial dehydration which makes the person ‘feel’ thin, but within hours the body compensates by retaining the remaining fluid and making the person ‘feel’ bigger.

The body needs fluid to remove wastes and toxins, so retaining fluids will make you feel bad because you can’t get rid of all of the waste products normally evacuated.

At this point you might be tempted to take more laxatives to get rid of the full feeling again. It’s a vicious cycle that sets you up to be prone to irritable bowel syndrome and colon tumors. Prolonged use of laxatives can also lead to cramping, bloating, water retention and the added problem of withdrawal.

The use of laxatives to promote weight loss is not an option! You are endangering your health and won’t be moving toward achieving your goal.

You can stop the abuse of laxatives using several steps. Unless they are prescribed by a doctor you should stop using laxatives immediately. This may be easier said than done and may require the help of a mental health professional.

Drink at least 6-10 eight oz glasses of water each day. Not caffeine drinks or alcohol or juices, just water. Include some physical activity each day to encourage regular bowel function.

Eat regularly and spread it out over at least 3 meals. Include lots of fruits and vegetables, which will improve your success rate for weight loss and improve normal bowel function. Keep a record of your bowel movements so they can be monitored. If you find you are constipated for more than 3 days call your doctor – do not treat yourself! Your colon will react differently than a normal colon after it has been abused by a laxative regimen.

Laxatives and weight loss don’t mix. They don’t work. But you can stop the vicious cycle and move on to a more healthy and fit way of losing weight for life!

References:

(1) Centers for Disease Control: Adult Obesity Facts

http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

(2) Columbia University Health; Go Ask Alice: Laxative Abuse – Any Side Effects?

http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/laxative-abuse-any-side-effects