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Laxatives Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2009.

Answers to questions about laxatives

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

Can I take laxatives to lose weight?

No, you shouldn't do this. It doesn't work and it can be dangerous. Taking laxatives occasionally won't be harmful but they shouldn't be taken regularly. The best way to lose weight is by eating a healthy diet and exercising.

Explanation

Laxatives can't help you lose weight. They don't stop you absorbing the food you have eaten - laxatives work on the large intestines and most of the calories in your food are absorbed before the food reaches the large intestines. If you do notice any weight loss, it will be short-term and caused by a loss of water or faecal mass rather than fat.

When you take laxatives, they help you have a bowel movement but at the same time you lose water, minerals, electrolytes and indigestible fibre which help maintain a healthy body. This is safe when laxatives are only taken occasionally, but frequent long-term laxative use can cause serious health problems.

They can cause dehydration which makes you feel weak, faint and can make your vision blurry. This can even lead to kidney damage and death. Disrupting the electrolyte and mineral balance in your body by taking laxatives regularly can affect the nerves and muscles too, including those of the heart and bowels. Laxative abuse in this way can stop the bowels functioning properly, cause bowel infections, irritable bowel syndrome and, rarely, liver damage.

Further information

Sources

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Is it OK to increase the amount of fibre in my diet at the same time as taking laxatives?

If you don't think you're getting enough fibre, you should try to gradually increase the amount of fibre in your diet before you start taking laxatives.

Explanation

Before trying a laxative, you should increase the amount of fibre in your diet. For example, add three tablespoons of bran to your food per day, and eat five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Increase dietary fibre gradually as it can cause bloating and wind.

You should also make sure you are drinking enough water, and exercising regularly. The recommended amount of moderate physical activity is at least half an hour on five or more days per week.

There are different types of laxative available if lifestyle changes don't help. Certain types of laxative may be more effective than others for you, depending on what is causing your constipation. Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice, and explain your symptoms to them.

Sources

  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford handbook of general practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005: 472
  • Dietary Fibre. British Nutrition Foundation. www.nutrition.org.uk, accessed 16 June 2009
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If I can't go to the toilet, how long should I wait before I try taking laxatives?

If you haven't had a bowel movement for some time, you have tried increasing your dietary fibre and you are concerned that you haven't gone, you should consider taking laxatives.

Explanation

This will be specific to you. This differs between people as some people may have a bowel movement twice a day, but others have a bowel movement three times a week. When you haven't passed faeces as frequently as normal, you may be constipated. Ask your pharmacist or GP for advice.

Further information

Sources

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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2009

Laxatives factsheet

 

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