Are Laxatives To Lose Weight Dangerous?

Laxative abuse often accompanies the binge eating and vomiting of bulimia. According to a 2010 article by James Roerig and others, as many as 10 to 60 percent of patients suffering from bulimia also abuse laxatives. Laxative abuse poses numerous health risks and, ironically, does not work as a weight-loss aid.

No Loss of Calories

Several days of constipation followed by a cathartic release brought on by laxative use may create the illusion of weight loss because your stomach will likely feel flatter. You may even be a few pounds lighter because of the loss of built up waste and the mild dehydrating effect of the laxative. As an ongoing weight-loss tool, however, laxatives are a non-starter. The waste product in your colon is no longer yielding calories to your body -- they've all been absorbed already. Speeding up the departure of waste from your colon will not have any impact at all on the number of calories your body absorbs and will therefore not have any effect at preventing or reversing weight gain.

Bowel Function

The most common over-the-counter laxatives work by doing the job of the large intestine, or colon. The colon responds to the presence of waste by performing a progressive, squeezing maneuver that gradually works the waste product toward the anal sphincter for evacuation. Habitual use of laxatives that perform this action cause the bowel to be less and less responsive until it is not able to function properly without an ever-increasing dose of laxatives. Decreased bowel function puts you at increased risk of colon cancer in addition to contributing to a constant battle between constipation and laxative use.

High Fiber Diet

The 2010 "Dietary Guidelines for Americans" states that for adequate intake, women should eat a minimum of 25 g of fiber each day and men should eat a minimum of 38 g. Eating a diet that contains adequate or high fiber supports healthy bowel function as well as your weight-loss goals. Since fiber is indigestible, it does not contribute any calories to your diet. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your stool, which promotes more frequent bowel movements. Soluble fiber also adds bulk to your stool, but also binds to fats and cholesterol, preventing them from being reabsorbed and carrying them out with your bowel movements.

Healthy Weight Loss

In the end, purging -- either by vomiting or by laxative abuse -- is not an effective means of reducing the number of calories you absorb or promoting weight loss. Exercise and eating a well-balanced diet with a moderate restriction in calories is the best way to lose weight and keep it off. Focus your efforts on eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and fewer sweets and added fats. Eat smaller portions and avoid binge eating. If you are struggling with bingeing and purging, starving yourself or prolonged bouts of excessive exercise, consult your physician, dietitian or mental health professional for assistance.