The World Health Organization explains that more than 1 billion adults are overweight and 300 million adults are obese. When people turn on the television or radio, they are often bombarded with exercise videos, weight loss supplements and diet books, which can lead to confusion as to which method is fast and effective. While there are many healthy ways to lose weight, sometimes people can make bad decisions on their quest for weight loss. Some ways to lose weight are not only bad but also deadly.
Laxative Abuse
Some people abuse laxatives in an attempt to lose weight quickly. A laxative is a medication used to help induce bowel movements. Laxatives are available in most grocery stores and pharmacies and do not require a prescription, which makes them easily accessible. Some people believe that because laxatives are available over-the-counter; they are probably not dangerous if taken more than recommended.
Taking a laxative may appear to make the numbers on the scale go down, but people aren't losing fat; they are losing waste and fluids, which will quickly return again as the body processes food. The National Institutes of Health explains that abusing laxatives can throw off the body's electrolytes, leading to cramps, diarrhea, dizziness, collapse, low blood sugar, rash, bloody stools, abdominal pain and muscle weakness. When the laxative contains magnesium, ingesting too much can cause sudden drops in blood pressure, slowed breathing, thirst, vomiting, collapse, coma and death.
Forced Vomiting
When people attempt to lose weight by forcing themselves to vomit food they have eaten, they cause extreme stress on the body. Forced vomiting pushes stomach acid up into the esophagus, which can cause permanent damage. A long-term cycle of binging and vomiting, also known as bulimia, can cause constipation, dehydration, severe electrolyte abnormalities, throat inflammation, inflammation of the pancreas, erosion of the enamel on the teeth and tears in the esophagus.
Starvation
Starvation, also known as anorexia nervosa, is an eating disorder in which people do not eat in an effort to lose weight. While people who starve themselves may initially lose weight, the lack of calories can have a severe physical impact on the body. The body is like a car, and to run efficiently, it needs a constant fuel source.
When the body runs out of food to break down for energy, it will begin to attack the muscles, breaking them down as fuel. Because muscle is not sufficient fuel, the body will begin to shut down the most unnecessary bodily functions systematically until ultimately, death occurs. MayoClinic.com explains that early symptoms of starvation include abnormal blood counts, fatigue, insomnia, dizziness and fainting, bluish discoloration of hands and fingers, brittle nails, hair loss and lack of menstruation. Over time, irregular heart rhythms, low blood pressure and osteoporosis occur, and a soft hair covers the body.
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