See also: laxatives; natural laxatives; laxative herbal tea; laxative foods
Why are they used
Laxatives are not a happy choice for weight loss. In fact, although many people resort to purgatives to lose weight quickly, it is a real affront to human health and intelligence.
The use of laxatives for weight loss is linked to their ability to promote the loss of body fluids; since water accounts for about 65% of body weight, dehydration induced by purgatives moves the scales in the coveted direction However, it is a fictitious weight loss, since weight loss is not associated with a significant reduction in fat mass, the true goal of any weight loss program.
The second mechanism by which laxatives help to "lose weight" consists in reducing the amount of nutrients absorbed, since they significantly accelerate intestinal transit.
Side effects
The abuse of laxatives to lose weight is to the detriment of one's health, since the much sought-after effect is associated with unpleasant side effects, such as diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, weakness, exhaustion, electrolyte imbalances (hypokalemia), dehydration and, in case of prolonged use, alterations of the intestinal flora (dysbiosis), melanosis of the colon, osteomalacia and hypotonic colitis (with consequent chronic constipation).
Not surprisingly, laxatives are not among the drugs that, sometimes and only on medical prescription, can be used against obesity.
Attention
The abuse of laxatives often indicates an underlying eating disorder.
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