Weight Loss has become a matter of concern for a number of people all across the globe. Obesity rates in the United States are on the rise and are expected to double within the next five years. Obesity is the accumulation of fats or lumps in the body that makes you look out of shape and overweight. It is the outcome of sedentary lifestyles, lack of physical activity, and increasing job pressure. People are looking for all sorts of methods of reducing weight and keeping fit. Complete fitness revolves around maintaining a healthy lifestyle comprising of regular exercise and a well balanced nutritious diet complemented with proper rest. There is a connection that has been discovered between
laxatives and weight loss that is gaining immense popularity. A number of laxatives are being marketed as weight loss medicines and are known to have an effect on the digestive system of the body, thereby promoting a loss in weight.
Relationship between Laxatives and Weight Loss:
Laxatives are known to increase the bowel activity and do not allow the large intestine to absorb food. It is also known that if laxatives are taking in large doses for a greater period of time, they affect the absorption of fats in the body. This results in greasy diarrhea which promotes weight loss.
Types of Laxatives:
Dieter’s tea or slim tea as it is popularly known is one of the most popular laxatives for weight loss. It is available under different names and brands but almost all products have the same ingredients. It is widely marketed as a sliming product and is used by thousands of people. Dieter’s tea works by increasing the bowel movements of the body and eliminating constipation. It helps in flushing out the harmful toxins from the body and is made up of certain herbs such as aloe, cascara, buckthorn, senna, rhubarb root and castor oil which are popular laxatives. These ingredients are derived from plants, are herbal in nature and increase the bowel movements. They are widely used by people to clear out the bowel tract, overcome the problem of constipation, enhance digestion and reduce the absorption of food in the large intestine. As slimming products, laxatives for weight loss do not allow the food contents to be absorbed in the body and help get rid of the excess calories ingested by individuals.
Side Effects of Laxatives:
Overdosing on laxatives may result in weight loss but incessant use of these drugs can result in various side effects. Continued use of laxatives for weight loss causes permanent damage to the gastro intestinal tract and also causes the weakening and softening of bones known as osteomalacia. Dieter’s tea has been the most popular laxative since ages as it tastes good and is more economical than the rest of the medicines available in the market. People suffering from bulimia and anorexia nervosa are the ones who use laxatives to achieve rapid weight loss as it works fast and produces diarrhea that helps shed more calories. Other side effects of laxatives include vomiting, diarrhea, fainting, rectal bleeding, electrolyte disorder, dehydration, stomach cramps, nausea as well as injury and death. Excessive use of the medication can also cause severe constipation pain for increased periods of time which can only be cured by surgical treatment and removal of the large intestine.
Effects of laxatives on Women:
Women are more prone to using laxatives than men and are most affected by continuous use of these products. Laxatives increase muscular cramps during menstruation and are known to obstruct the normal menstrual cycle and affect fertility. Laxatives are not recommended for pregnant or nursing women. The use of senna and other herbal laxatives is not recommended for women trying to become pregnant. The best way to lose weight is by regular exercise and consuming a well balanced nutritious diet. Before using any weight loss products it is recommended that you consult a registered medical practitioner in order to determine if the product is meant for you or not. You must also keep in mind your present medical condition and if you are suffering from any ailments such as diabetes, coronary heart disease, thyroid, high blood pressure, cancer, kidney or liver disease before taking any product.
Excessive intake of laxatives results in factorial diarrhea which is a form of Munchausen’s Syndrome or bulimia. Some individuals administer laxatives alone or in combination with other medication like diuretics which can be potentially harmful for the body.
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