{"id":62419,"date":"2024-01-09T12:48:03","date_gmt":"2024-01-09T17:48:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62419"},"modified":"2025-03-15T14:49:17","modified_gmt":"2025-03-15T18:49:17","slug":"laxatives-to-lose-weight","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/laxatives-to-lose-weight\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you use laxatives to lose weight?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laxatives are medications used to treat <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/constipation-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">constipation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and are usually intended for short-term use. However, thanks to a new TikTok trend, people are trying to use laxatives for weight loss. Coined as \u201cbudget <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/ozempic-savings\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ozempic<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,\u201d laxative drugs are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">becoming a trend<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> as they fly off the shelves at pharmacies, creating shortages everywhere. But, like many social media trends, this is not sound medical advice. Laxatives should not be used for weight loss. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medical experts, such as Dr. William Chey, note<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that laxatives help constipation by eliminating water and stool\u2014but this stool and water loss is not an effective way to decrease body mass or create long-term weight loss. What\u2019s more, the use of laxatives can lead to many health issues if used improperly.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"how-do-laxatives-work\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How do laxatives work?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are many different forms of over-the-counter laxatives, and there are some prescription laxatives as well. OTC laxatives are generally used to relieve occasional constipation and increase bowel movements. There are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">several different types of laxatives<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and they work differently.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bulk-forming laxatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> help to add bulk to the stool in the form of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber brings water from the body into the stool, which makes it larger, softer, and easier to pass. Examples of bulk-forming laxatives include fiber supplements such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/metamucil-fiber\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Metamucil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/citrucel\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Citrucel<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/fibercon\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">FiberCon<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Osmotic laxatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> pull water from parts of the body and bring it to the colon, softening the stool and making it easier to pass. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-for-miralax-to-work\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MiraLAX<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (polyethylene glycol, or PEG) is a popular osmotic laxative.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stool softeners<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> help your stool absorb fat and water, making the stool softer. Colace (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/docusate-sodium-without-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">docusate sodium<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) is a popular stool softener.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Lubricant laxatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> add a coating to the colon, making it slippery, which makes it easier to pass stool. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/mineral-oil\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mineral oil<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is an example of a lubricant laxative.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stimulant laxatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> stimulate the colon into moving the stool. Examples include Dulcolax (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/bisacodyl\/what-is\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">bisacodyl<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/senna-laxative\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Senna<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Prescription laxatives<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/prescription\/lactulose\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lactulose<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/amitiza-alternatives\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Amitiza<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (lubiprostone), are sometimes prescribed for medical treatment of chronic constipation.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"do-laxatives-cause-weight-loss\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do laxatives cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/health.cornell.edu\/sites\/health\/files\/pdf-library\/LaxativeUse.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laxative abuse<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is when an individual takes either:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A large quantity of laxatives at one time (high doses)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A small amount of laxatives on a regular basis<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This pattern becomes hard to stop, and people can become dependent on laxatives. Some people take laxatives because they think it will help with weight loss. However, although laxatives help eliminate water and waste from the intestines, they do not eliminate calories from the body\u2014so they do not help with weight loss. Although there may be a temporary weight loss or short-term weight loss effect from losing fluids, laxatives do not cause true, lasting body fat and weight loss. What\u2019s more, using laxatives when not needed for constipation can cause many other side effects and complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"side-effects-of-laxatives\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side effects of laxatives<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are various side effects and risks associated with abusing laxatives, such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, intestinal damage, and other serious medical problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dehydration\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dehydration<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When someone uses excess laxatives and loses too much fluid in the resulting diarrhea, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dehydration<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (a dangerous loss of body fluid) can occur. Symptoms may include excess thirst, less urination, headache, decreased sweating, lightheadedness, muscle weakness, and dry mouth. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nationaleatingdisorders.org\/laxative-misuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Severe dehydration<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can cause shaking, weakness, blurred vision, fainting, kidney problems, or even death in extreme cases.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"electrolyte-imbalance\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrolyte imbalance<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals who abuse laxatives may also have an imbalance of electrolytes and minerals, including hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-causes-low-potassium\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hypokalemia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (low potassium levels), causing weakness, abnormal heart rhythms, or even death.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having both dehydration and low potassium levels together can cause kidney problems. Diarrhea resulting from laxatives sets off a process that can even worsen hypokalemia. The timing is not predictable\u2014electrolyte imbalance can occur with the first cycle of laxative abuse, or it can occur after long-term use of laxatives.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"dependency-and-constipation\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dependency and constipation<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With excessive use of laxatives, the intestines are affected. They lose their muscle and nerve response, become dilated (widened), and have trouble moving stool out. Eventually, the body needs higher doses in order to relieve this constipation. This rebound constipation may involve gas getting trapped in the intestines\u2014causing the individual to try to use more and more laxatives, and it becomes a \u201cvicious cycle\u201d of laxative use.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"damage-to-the-intestines-and-other-complications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damage to the intestines and other complications<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some other complications associated with laxative abuse may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Blood in the stool<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (due to irritation), which can lead to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/conditions\/anemia-treatment-and-medications\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">anemia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Impaired intestinal function<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: the intestines lose muscle tone and nerve response and can no longer function properly to move stools out of the body<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Rectal prolapse<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Chronic severe diarrhea can cause this condition, where the insides of the intestines stick out through the opening of the anus. This condition generally requires surgery.<\/span><\/li>\n<li><b>Liver damage<\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Increased risk of colon cancer<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\t\t<div class=\"singlecare-dynamic-newsletter-wrapper sin-newsletter-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"heading\">Get our weight management newsletter<\/span>\n\t\t\t<form class=\"form-wrapper\" data-newsletter-form=\"1\" data-subsource=\"Weight Management Newsletter\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"dynamic-email\">Email<\/label>\n\t\t\t\t\t<input type=\"email\" id=\"dynamic-email\" class=\"email\" required>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"input-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<input class=\"submit-form-btn\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Click to sign up\">\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t\t<p class=\"success-message\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"alternatives-to-laxatives-how-to-lose-weight-safely\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alternatives to laxatives: How to lose weight safely<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For individuals who abuse laxatives, it is important to understand that a laxative is not a weight loss aid. It\u2019s best to quickly and completely stop using them, throwing out any laxative you have\u2014even if withdrawal symptoms (such as bloating, constipation, and temporary weight gain) occur. Take steps to keep your bowel movements regular, such as eating more fiber and drinking plenty of fluids. For support, healthcare professionals can refer you to a registered dietician and therapist.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To lose weight safely (and without laxatives), you can try some lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, increasing your exercise, and drinking plenty of water. If these tips do not work, or for more support, check with your healthcare provider about various types of medications that help with weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"balanced-diet\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Balanced diet<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eating a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/heart-healthy-diet\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can help you lose weight and maintain weight loss. The Mediterranean diet and the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet scored <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/best-diet\/mediterranean-diet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">first<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.usnews.com\/best-diet\/dash-diet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">second<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> place, respectively, in the U.S. News &amp; World Report\u2019s Best Diets of 2025.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/articles\/16037-mediterranean-diet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mediterranean diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> focuses on fruits and vegetables, beans, nuts, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, and a moderate amount of omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/dash-diet-food-list\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">DASH diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> focuses on lowering blood pressure with calcium, magnesium, potassium, and fiber. This diet focuses on plenty of fruit and vegetables, as well as moderate amounts of low-fat or fat-free dairy, whole grains, lean proteins, beans, eggs, fish, nuts, seeds, and heart-healthy fats like olive oil and avocados.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people even combine tips from each eating plan. Alternatively, consult a registered dietician for personalized advice and an eating and exercise plan that works with your lifestyle,\u00a0 preferences, and any medical problems you have.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"regular-exercise\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular exercise<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting regular physical activity can help with weight loss. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/physical-activity-basics\/guidelines\/adults.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CDC<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> recommends weekly exercise, including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Two days of muscle-strengthening exercises.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consult your healthcare provider before beginning a new exercise program. You can explore different ways to get this exercise in and break up the 150 minutes into manageable bits. For example, you can walk briskly for 30 minutes five times a week. Or you can walk for 15 minutes twice a day, five days a week.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 id=\"drinking-plenty-of-water\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking plenty of water<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4901052\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Studies show<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that drinking more water helps with weight loss in two ways\u2014causing you to eat less and helping the body burn more fat. What\u2019s more, the opposite is true\u2014if you are not drinking enough, you may have a higher body weight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Drinking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.wku.edu\/news\/articles\/index.php?view=article&amp;articleid=2762&amp;return=archive\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">two cups<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of water before each meal not only helps you get in six cups of water a day but also helps you lose up to 5 extra pounds every year and maintain that weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can even find free phone apps to remind you to drink your H20. Avoid sugary drinks such as regular sodas and juices.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"more-sustainable-weight-loss-strategies\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More sustainable weight loss strategies<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some other <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/health.clevelandclinic.org\/the-7-best-weight-loss-tips\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">weight loss tips<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Add fiber and protein to your food to keep hunger at bay. For example, replace a breakfast bagel with eggs and whole wheat toast.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t eat \u201cnaked\u201d carbs. Adding fiber to your carbs can also help control blood sugar levels. If you like white rice, try swapping it to brown rice. Better yet, add beans and vegetables to brown rice.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Focus on developing and maintaining healthy habits rather than just a number on the scale.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eat lots of non-starchy vegetables (think cucumbers and broccoli) and lower-sugar fruits like apples, pears, and berries.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try to eat healthy 80-90% of the time. If you enjoy some treats here and there, it won\u2019t derail your efforts.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Try out meal prepping\u2014start by making extra portions of a healthy dinner and take it to lunch the next day or two.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consult a registered dietician for personalized nutrition advice.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Laxatives are medications used to treat constipation and are usually intended for short-term use. However, thanks to a new TikTok trend, people are trying to use laxatives for weight loss. Coined as \u201cbudget Ozempic,\u201d laxative drugs are becoming a trend as they fly off the shelves at pharmacies, creating shortages everywhere. But, like many social [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":133,"featured_media":62420,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8029],"tags":[20947,9825],"coauthors":[10668],"class_list":["post-62419","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-education","tag-constipation","tag-weight-loss","wpautop"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.4 (Yoast SEO v27.4) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Can you use laxatives to lose weight? | SingleCare<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Serious medical issues can result from abusing laxatives to lose weight. 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