Some common electrolytes include chloride, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphate. However, studies suggest this is not an effective method for long-term weight loss.Įlectrolytes are substances dissolved in your bodily fluids that are important for helping your cells and tissues function normally ( 5). Summary: Laxative use can result in a temporary loss of water weight. Instead, it can lead to dangerous side effects like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and possibly even dependence. To date, there have been no studies supporting the idea that laxative use can lead to lasting weight loss. One small study measured the daily food intake and eating habits of 30 patients with bulimia nervosa, a type of eating disorder that involves eating large amounts of food and then using methods such as self-induced vomiting or laxatives to prevent weight gain.Ĭompared to other methods used by these patients, researchers found that laxative use was an ineffective method for controlling body weight ( 3).Īnother study also concluded that laxatives were not effective at controlling weight, noting that laxative use was more prevalent among overweight and obese teenagers than those of a normal weight ( 4). With this method, the only weight you’ll lose is from the water you excrete through stool ( 1). Several types of laxatives work by pulling water from your body into the intestines, allowing stool to absorb more water for an easier passage. It is true that laxatives may help increase weight loss, but the results are only temporary. In fact, some studies estimate that more than 4% of the general population engages in laxative abuse ( 2).
Laxative use has become incredibly common among those looking to shed a few pounds quickly. Different types of laxatives help induce bowel movements in different ways. They’re a remedy for constipation as well as a popular tool for weight loss. Summary: Laxatives help stimulate bowel movements. Stool softeners: These allow stool to absorb more water, making it softer for easier passage.Lubricant laxatives: This type of laxative coats the surface of the stool as well as the lining of the intestines to ease bowel movements.Saline laxatives: With these, water is drawn into the small intestine, which helps promote a bowel movement.Bulk-forming laxatives: These move through the intestines undigested, absorbing water and adding bulk to stool.Osmotic-type laxatives: This type causes the colon to retain more water, which increases bowel movement frequency.