Text Link

Learn more about the results we get at Within

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Learn more about the results we get at Within

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

The harmful effects of laxative abuse

No items found.
No items found.

Laxative abuse is characterized by the excessive use of laxatives with the goal of losing weight, compensating for binge eating, or feeling thin or empty. Though people may use a variety of laxatives, the most frequently misused laxatives are those belonging to the stimulant class. Laxative abuse is a dangerous practice that can significantly damage a person’s health and even lead to potentially fatal consequences.

4
 minutes read
Last updated on 
February 4, 2022
February 26, 2023
The harmful effects of laxative abuse
In this article

Over the counter stimulant laxatives

Individuals struggling with an eating disorder, such as bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa, often abuse laxatives. In fact, between 10% and 60% of people with an eating disorder report laxative abuse. (2)

Common stimulant laxatives people may misuse include: (3)

  • Dulcolax (bisacodyl)
  • Castor oil
  • Cascara sagrada
  • Senokot (senna)
  • Phenolphthalein

These stimulant laxatives are sold over the counter, making them widely accessible. They work by stimulating the nerves in the large intestine, which causes contractions that lead to a bowel movement. Despite the fact that people don’t need a prescription to obtain stimulant laxatives, these medications can be dangerous when abused. It is recommended laxatives only be taken on a short-term basis to relieve constipation. 

The dangers associated with misusing laxatives

Laxative abuse can have many serious implications for a person’s health. It can even lead to potentially life-threatening complications. The risks and dangers associated with laxative abuse include: (1,2,3)

  • Electrolyte and mineral imbalances, leading to dysfunction of vital organs
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Edema
  • Severe dehydration, leading to kidney damage, fainting, blurry vision, weakness, and tremors
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Impaired colon function
  • Colon infection
  • Risk of colon cancer
  • Liver damage (though this is rare)
  • Blood in stool, which can cause anemia
  • Rectal prolapse
  • Rebound constipation, leading to compulsive use of laxatives to relieve constipation
  • Tolerance to laxative effects, requiring higher amounts of laxatives to produce a bowel movement

If someone suddenly stops using laxatives after excessive use, they may experience acute weight gain, which may motivate continued laxative use to alleviate the bloating. (2) Once someone begins using laxatives, whether for weight loss or compensation, it can be very difficult for them to stop on their own. This is because laxatives can produce psychological and physical dependence. (3)

Misconceptions about laxative abuse

Some people may believe that using laxatives will help them lose weight or avoid calorie absorption, but this is a myth. Laxatives expel waste, water, electrolytes, and minerals from the digestive system. But they don’t prevent the absorption of food and calories. (1,3)

By the time laxatives begin taking effect, most calories have already been absorbed by the small intestine. If a person loses any weight from using a laxative, it’s due to loss of water. That weight will return as soon as they drink water or other fluids. Not rehydrating in an attempt to keep the weight off can result in severe dehydration. This can lead to organ damage and life-threatening complications. (1)

Signs of laxative abuse

Knowing the signs of laxative abuse can empower people to help their loved ones get treatment for their problem or eating disorder. Common signs of laxative abuse may include: (4,5)

  • Headaches
  • Lightheadedness
  • Faintness
  • Excessive farting
  • Bloating
  • Stomach cramps
  • Rectal bleeding

As tolerance builds and someone needs larger and larger amounts of stimulant laxatives to produce a bowel movement, the risk of overdosing increases. Signs of a laxative overdose include: (5,6)

  • Seizure
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Unable to waken
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Low blood pressure

A laxative overdose is a medical emergency, Anyone who suspects a laxative overdose has occurred should call 911 immediately. Don’t leave the person’s side until first responders arrive.

Treatment for laxative abuse

First, the treatment team will attempt to determine the cause of laxative abuse, such as the presence of an eating disorder, like atypical anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa. (1)

The next intervention would then include stopping the use of stimulant laxatives and replacing them with a stool softener to establish normal bowel movements. Stool softeners, such as Milk of Magnesia, are much safer than stimulant laxatives. (1)

If the person is hospitalized, they will receive the appropriate medical treatment for whatever health complications they may be experiencing. For example, if they are dehydrated and have an electrolyte imbalance, then the medical team will rehydrate the patient via intravenous fluids and electrolyte replacement. Or, if they have a colon infection, the team will administer antibiotics to clear up the infection. It depends on what issues the patient is presenting with. 

If an eating disorder has been diagnosed, then the medical team will refer the patient to eating disorder treatment, once their health complications have been resolved.

Entering eating disorder treatment

Eating disorder treatment can occur in several settings, including:

  • Inpatient care: Patients reside at the facility for the duration of the treatment program, where they receive a combination of interventions, such as psychotherapy, behavioral therapies, group counseling, and family therapy. This is the most intensive option, providing a high level of structure and 24/7 care.
  • Outpatient care: Patients live at home while attending treatment at an outpatient facility. This option is less intensive but offers more flexibility for people who need to schedule treatment around work, school, childcare, or other responsibilities. 
  • Individual therapy: Patients attend one-on-one therapy with a counselor who specializes in treating eating disorders. They may attend therapy one or two times per week, for an hour each session.
  • Virtual treatment: Virtual care programs, like Within Health, offer patients an alternative to in-person eating disorder treatment by providing services via video calls and messaging. This is a great option for people experiencing geographical or scheduling barriers to care.

Disclaimer about "overeating": Within Health hesitatingly uses the word "overeating" because it is the term currently associated with this condition in society, however, we believe it inherently overlooks the various psychological aspects of this condition which are often interconnected with internalized diet culture, and a restrictive mindset about food. For the remainder of this piece, we will therefore be putting "overeating" in quotations to recognize that the diagnosis itself pathologizes behavior that is potentially hardwired and adaptive to a restrictive mindset.

Disclaimer about weight loss drugs: Within does not endorse the use of any weight loss drug or behavior and seeks to provide education on the insidious nature of diet culture. We understand the complex nature of disordered eating and eating disorders and strongly encourage anyone engaging in these behaviors to reach out for help as soon as possible. No statement should be taken as healthcare advice. All healthcare decisions should be made with your individual healthcare provider.

Resources

  1. National Eating Disorders Association. (n.d.). Laxative Abuse.
  2. Roerig, J. L., Steffen, K. J., Mitchell, J. E., & Zunker, C. (2010). Laxative Abuse: Epidemiology, Diagnosis and Management. Drugs, 70(12), 1487–1503. https://doi.org/10.2165/11898640-000000000-00000
  3. Cornell Health. (2019). Laxative Use: What to Know.
  4. National Health Service. (2019). Overview: Laxatives.
  5. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2018). Bisacodyl. 
  6. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). Laxative Overdose.

FAQs

Further reading

Tirzepatide for weight loss (Mounjaro)

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was approved in 2022 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating type 2...

Semaglutide for weight loss (Ozempic)

Semaglutide, also sold under the brand names Ozempic and Wegovy, is an injectable medication prescribed to...

Metformin for weight loss (Fortamet, Glumetza)

Metformin is a medication prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes by managing blood sugar levels. However...

Bupropion for weight loss (Wellbutrin, Zyban)

Bupropion, also sold under the brand names Zyban and Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant medication. It is...

Phentermine for weight loss (Adipex-P, Lomaira)

Phentermine is the generic name for the prescription drug sold under the brand names Adipex-P and Lomaira...

Orlistat for weight loss (Alli, Xenical)

Orlistat, is a medication sold under the brand names Alli and Xenical that is available over the counter...

Topiramate for weight loss (Topamax)

Topiramate, also sold under the brand name Topamax, is a prescription anticonvulsant medication used to...

Naltrexone for weight loss (Revia, Vivitrol)

Naltrexone, a medication prescribed to treat opioid and alcohol use disorder, is sometimes used for weight...

Dangers of supplement and weight loss pills

It can be tempting to look for a quick fix if you’re struggling with thoughts about your weight or have...

How to prevent a laxative overdose

When used appropriately, laxatives can be a helpful tool to alleviate constipation. But excessive laxative...

Laxatives and stomach cramps

While laxatives may relieve constipation associated with some illnesses, such as...

The truth about laxatives for weight loss

Using laxatives in an attempt to lose weight is a form of disordered eating that can...

The dangers of anorexiant diet pills

Anorexiant diet pills have increased dangers for those with an eating disorder. There...

Laxative misuse in patients with eating disorders

Laxatives have been used for health purposes for over 2000 years. These days they...

How safe are weight loss drugs?

Weight loss drugs aren’t safe to use without medical supervision and are generally prescribed to help in...

The harmful effects of laxative abuse

Laxative abuse is characterized by the excessive use of laxatives with the...

Further reading

No items found.