The idea that laxatives can help you lose weight is a widely held but deeply flawed concept. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that the use of laxatives is a safe or effective method of reducing body weight. This article addresses the question of the effectiveness of laxatives in weight loss, examines the safety of their use for this purpose and explores alternative, healthier strategies for weight loss.
Using laxatives to lose weight is not only ineffective but also risky. Laxatives work by speeding up intestinal transit or increasing the amount of water in the stools, which can lead to immediate but deceptive weight loss, as this is mainly due to the loss of body fluids rather than a reduction in body fat. What’s more, this practice can lead to serious electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
The dangerous trend on social networks
Recently, a trend on TikTok encouraged the use of laxatives as a means of losing weight quickly, contributing to a shortage of these drugs in the United States. On social networks, products such as Dulcolax, Movicol, and Microlax are promoted as ‘cheap’ alternatives to Ozempic, a drug originally designed to treat type 2 diabetes but which has gained popularity as a weight loss aid. However, these claims are not only unfounded but also potentially dangerous.
What is a laxative?
Laxatives are medicinal substances designed to facilitate intestinal transit and help the evacuation of faeces. They are commonly used to treat constipation, which is characterised by infrequent or difficult bowel movements. These medicines vary according to their mechanism of action and the effects they have on the digestive system.
What are the different types of laxative?
There are several types of laxative, each with a specific approach to treating constipation:
- Osmotic laxatives: These substances draw water into the colon to increase the volume of the stool and make it easier to pass. Movicol is a well-known example of an osmotic laxative. It is often prescribed for cases of chronic constipation, as it helps to keep stools hydrated without causing excessive intestinal contractions.
- Stimulant laxatives: These work by stimulating the nerves in the colon, causing contractions that push stool outwards. Dulcolax is one of the most widely used stimulant laxatives and is recommended for short-term use, particularly as it produces relatively rapid effects.
- Ballast laxatives: Composed mainly of fibre, they increase the mass of stools, which stimulates natural intestinal peristalsis. These laxatives are considered the gentlest and are recommended for regular use to promote regular intestinal transit.
- Lubricating laxatives: These lubricate the stool and facilitate its passage through the colon. One example is mineral oil, which acts by coating the stool and preventing water from being absorbed by the intestines.
- Stool softeners: Make the stool softer by helping liquids (water and oils) to integrate into the stool and thus facilitate evacuation.
Common brands of laxatives
The most common brands on the market include Dulcolax and Movicol, mentioned above, as well as others such as Contalax, Microlax and Forlax. Each product varies according to the type of laxative, its mechanism of action, and the speed and duration of its effect.
Common misconceptions about laxatives
Laxatives are often surrounded by myths and misunderstandings, particularly about their use for weight loss. Debunking these misconceptions is crucial to preventing the risks associated with inappropriate use.
Do laxatives make you lose weight?‘How much Dulcolax a day to lose weight?’
One of the most common misconceptions is that laxatives can help you lose weight safely and effectively. However, laxatives have no impact on reducing body fat. They act on the digestive system by speeding up intestinal transit or increasing the amount of water in the stools, which can lead to temporary weight loss due mainly to fluid loss and not to any real weight reduction.
Using laxatives in the hope of losing weight can lead to dangerous practices and adverse health effects, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and even long-term damage to the digestive system. The weight loss achieved by this method is not only temporary but also potentially dangerous.
Do Dulcolax and Movicol make you lose weight?
Movicol, an osmotic laxative, is specifically designed to treat constipation by increasing the water content of stools, making them easier to pass. Like other laxatives, Movicol does not contribute to fat loss, which is the main objective in weight management. The weight-loss effects observed after using Movicol are due to the accelerated elimination of waste products and body fluids, and not to any real reduction in body mass. It is therefore inaccurate to consider Movicol as a solution for losing weight.
Laxatives and weight loss: a misunderstanding
The relationship between the use of laxatives and weight loss is often misunderstood and requires considerable clarification. It is essential to distinguish between fat loss and the temporary effects on body weight that can be induced by laxatives.
Why laxatives do not cause fat loss
Laxatives do not affect body fat; their action is limited to the digestive system. They work by speeding up intestinal transit or increasing the amount of water in the stools, which can lead to more frequent or larger intestinal movements. However, this action in no way implies fat burning or an improvement in metabolism, which would be necessary for genuine weight loss.
In fact, laxatives can even interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients. When stools pass through the digestive system too quickly, the intestine does not have enough time to absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies if use is prolonged.
What are the temporary effects of laxatives on weight?
The effect of laxatives on body weight is generally temporary and mainly due to the loss of body fluids rather than a reduction in body fat. The use of laxatives can lead to an immediate reduction in weight on the scales, but this effect is short-lived and can be quickly reversed as soon as the body rehydrates.
This temporary weight loss can unfortunately be misperceived as a viable solution for long-term weight management. However, not only does it not contribute to sustainable weight loss, it can also expose the individual to significant health risks, notably dehydration and electrolyte disorders.
The hidden dangers: can laxatives ruin your health?
Inappropriate use of laxatives such as Dulcolax presents significant health risks that are often underestimated. This abuse can lead to serious consequences, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and long-term gastrointestinal damage. Understanding these dangers is crucial to avoiding the serious complications associated with non-medical use of laxatives.
What are the side effects of Dulcolax?
One of the most immediate and visible side effects of laxative abuse is dehydration. Laxatives increase intestinal activity and can cause a rapid evacuation of body fluids through the stools. This excessive loss of fluid not only reduces water weight, it can also lead to severe dehydration, affecting the body’s ability to carry out normal vital functions. Dehydration can lead to symptoms such as dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness and, in extreme cases, kidney complications.
Electrolyte imbalances: an underestimated risk
Laxatives also upset the balance of electrolytes in the body, particularly essential minerals such as potassium, sodium and magnesium. These elements play crucial roles in many bodily functions, including regulating heart rate, muscle function and processing nerve signals. Electrolyte imbalances can therefore lead to potentially fatal conditions such as cardiac arrhythmia, severe muscle cramps and neurological disorders.
Long-term gastrointestinal damage
Prolonged and abusive use of laxatives such as Dulcolax or Movicol can cause significant damage to the gastrointestinal system. Laxatives, particularly the stimulant types, can alter the intestine’s natural ability to contract and move, which can lead to a condition known as laziness or colonic atony. This phenomenon is characterised by a reduction in the effectiveness of natural intestinal contractions, making the individual dependent on laxatives for defecation. In the long term, this can lead to chronic complications, such as severe and permanent constipation, inflammation of the colon, and even an increased risk of colorectal cancer.
How can I lose weight naturally?
Adopting healthy and sustainable weight management methods is crucial to maintaining optimal health. This includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity tailored to individual goals, and the judicious use of natural laxatives where necessary. Let’s take a look at how these elements can be effectively integrated into a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy eating: the importance of protein and fibre
A balanced diet is fundamental to good health and effective weight management. Incorporating protein into every meal is essential for several reasons: protein is crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue, it helps you feel full, and it can increase your metabolism as it is digested.
In addition to protein, it is vital to consume a sufficient quantity of dietary fibre. Fibre falls into two main categories:
- Soluble fibre: Dissolves in water to form a gel that helps slow digestion, promoting a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. This can help control blood sugar levels and prolong the feeling of satiety. Soluble fibre is also beneficial for the intestinal microbiota, providing food for beneficial bacteria.
- Insoluble fibre: does not dissolve in water and helps to add bulk to stools, facilitating intestinal transit and preventing constipation. They also contribute to satiety and can help with weight management by reducing appetite.
Focus on building muscle mass
Rather than focusing solely on cardio, it is advisable to give priority to muscle-strengthening exercises to boost your metabolism. Increased muscle mass means higher energy consumption at rest, which can help you burn more calories even outside periods of physical activity. Exercises such as weight training, wearing a weighted vest or crossfit can be incorporated into a training programme to strengthen muscles and improve body composition.
Natural laxatives: safe options for intestinal transit
For those who need extra support for intestinal transit, opting for natural laxatives can be a safe alternative. Here are some examples of the products available:
- Benetransit Natural Laxative Tablets Ortis: Uses herbs and fibre to help regulate bowel movements naturally: senna, artichoke and fennel.
- HERBESAN Transiphyt Organic Laxative Herbal Tea: A herbal tea made from plants known for their beneficial effects on intestinal transit: Rhubarb, chicory, fennel, marshmallow, peppermint and star anise.
- Ergyfibral Nutergia Intestinal Transit: Cubes containing fibre and natural ingredients to promote regular transit: Prune, rhubarb and chamomile.
- Ecoidées Organic Blond Psyllium Powder: Rich in soluble fibre, blond psyllium is excellent for improving the consistency and frequency of bowel movements while promoting satiety.
