The Food and Drug Administration calls obesity a chronic and recurring health risk. It maintains that excess weight is the result of the relationship between genetic, behavioral and environmental factors resulting in health issues such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease and some cancers. Unsafe methods of weight loss may be effective in the short term, but the FDA states that the cornerstone of effective weight management is change in diet, exercise and behavior.
Laxatives
Columbia University explains that calorie absorption occurs in the small intestines. Laxatives work in the colon or large intestines. Many individuals feel that a loose bowel movement means that less calories are absorbed which, according to the university, is not accurate. The overuse of laxatives may lead to laxative dependency, or lax colon. In extreme cases the bowel may stop functioning altogether, requiring its removal by surgery. Other long-term complications may include chronic discomfort or pain and electrolyte disorders.
Purging
Self-induced vomiting, or purging, to lose weight may indicate an eating disorder. Throwing up to speed up weight loss does not develop healthy eating habits. According to Columbia University, serious side effects associated with purging include sore throats, rotting teeth, fatigue and broken facial blood vessels from straining. Ongoing purging may result in electrolyte imbalances, constipation, pancreatic disease and the rupture of the esophagus.
Starvation
Severely reduced caloric intake may lead to serious psychological and physical problems, according to BulemiaHelp.org. Prolonged starvation or semi-starvation diets may produce a preoccupation with food, emotional distress, irritability and anxiety. Severe serious physical side effects include heart problems, extreme fatigue, anemia, cessation of periods, gastrointestinal problems and electrolyte imbalances.
Member Comments