How much laxatives for weight loss

Taking too many osmotic laxatives or taking them too frequently may cause dehydration. Taking laxatives can result in an electrolyte imbalance. Certain types of laxative may cause the body to absorb high amounts of electrolytes such as sodium and phosphorus from the gut. Some laxatives can also lead to low blood levels of potassium , magnesium , or calcium. An electrolyte imbalance may cause weakness and an abnormal heart rhythm.

In severe cases, having an electrolyte imbalance can be life threatening. Some laxatives can stimulate muscles in the gut, helping them promote the movement of stool through it. Taking any stimulant laxatives too frequently may cause dependency. More research is necessary on this effect, but some experts believe that the gut may become increasingly dependent on stimulation.

As a result, it may eventually stop moving food along the digestive tract of its own accord. Using laxatives frequently may also irritate the gut lining, potentially putting a person at risk of having bloody stools. Reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce risk factors for major health problems, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. However, it is vital to lose weight in a safe and sustainable way. Trying to address a negative self-image through weight loss without any mental health strategies can make things worse.

For some people, unsuitable weight loss strategies can progress into an eating disorder. Signs and symptoms that can indicate an eating disorder include:.

It is possible to have a couple of these symptoms without having an eating disorder. However, anyone concerned that they or someone they know may have an eating disorder should speak to a doctor. Taking laxatives for weight loss is not a safe strategy. For most people, drastic and restrictive dieting does not work in the long term. Making sustainable lifestyle changes is the most effective way to reach a healthy weight.

These include:. Anyone who thinks that they may need to lose weight can find out from a doctor whether this is necessary for their health. The doctor can advise a person on what the best weight range is for them. This range will depend on their height and body type, among other factors. 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. You don't just feel better Which might explain why people still consider taking laxatives for weight loss. They're neither effective nor safe. Here's the dealio: If you think of your body in simple terms, you eat food, then digest it, then secrete it a. When you take a laxative, all you are doing is lubricating the stool and stimulating your intestines to urgently clear it.

Nandi says. When you pop a laxative, what you're really losing is a lot of water, a little stool, and—sorry—zero fat.

Not to mention, hydration is key to legit weight loss. In short, your body needs ample water for your cells, heart, and muscles to function properly. What's more, while taking laxatives for weight loss may seem like an easy way to speed up your metabolism more poop must mean a faster engine, right? In fact, taking laxatives for weight loss can actually create the opposite effect. Prolonged laxative use can irritate the lining of your bowel and cause all sorts of gastrointestinal issues, Dr.

Leavey says. It can also cause dehydration and electrolyte and mineral imbalances, Dr. Wider says. Since electrolytes such as calcium and sodium are crucial to several body functions, an imbalance can cause dizziness, fainting, blurry vision, and even death, Dr. Wider explains.

These imbalances can also cause symptoms like abnormal heart rhythms, weakness, confusion and seizures, per the Mayo Clinic. Leavey adds. Bottom line: This is not a weight-loss method you want to try. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. First things first: What are laxatives?

Long-term use of laxatives can actually perpetuate your constipation issues. Korin is a former New Yorker who now lives at the beach.

She received a double B.