Does the effects from laxatives help you lose weight quicker? If the food is already digested, doesn't that mean that the fat is also? How would eliminating stool quicker really help you lose weight?

I think there are a couple of things that need clarification in order to most appropriately answer your questions.

There is a delineation between "fat" loss and "weight" loss and somehow I feel they get a bit interchanged in your questions. I also think that we need to keep in mind the difference between "laxatives" and "cleansing" products which are NOT the same thing. Allow me to elaborate...

Laxatives only stimulate the muscular movement of the colon, but they can also cause dehydration and do nothing to loosen and remove the lining of toxins etc.... that line the colon (sometimes referred to as the "false lining"). It should be also noted that laxatives could weaken the colon by irritating and overstimulating it. This is NOT to suggest that some colon cleanse products don't contain essential laxatives because they do (herbal or otherwise), but various fiber constituents (like say psyllium) cause a reduction in calorie consumption and increased feelings of fullness that could ultimately lead to not only "fat" loss, but also improved health markers, like reductions in cholesterol.

A University of London study (I use this overseas offering because much of complementary and alternative modalities not influenced by big pharma comes from the Eastern Bloc) took a group of females and gave them 20 grams of psyllium seed granules with 200ml of water 3 hours before meal times and again immediately before the meal. Those taking the psyllium consumed an average of 15 grams less fat per day than the group that didn't receive the extra fiber.

So, I think the answer to your question is a qualified "it depends."

It depends on our definitions (i.e. - Weight vs. Fat Loss, Laxative vs. Cleanse Agents).

-and-

It depends on our idea behind what kind of fat is being lost (pre-digested or that which has accumulated in the body vs. that which is yet to be ingested).


If that doesn't make sense, let me know. I will further elaborate as needed.



D_

Laxative use can turn into laxative abuse pretty quickly without your even realizing it. Keep tabs on it, rosaliepeterson.

The laxatives might help you to "Feel" lighter , but whether they actually help you lose weight is another thing. The rapid elimination of food can help with quicker digestion,which might just help you shed a little extra more weight. Just don't over eat too much or you will defeat the purpose and don't use laxatives for more than 4 days!

Using laxatives to lose weight is a little extreme, don't you think? I mean laxatives do help if your having problems with your uhm 'movement' but as weight loss supplement? Hmmmmm.....

Maybe try weight loss teas and herbal supplements? Dr. Houser, what's your take on this (herbal vs laxative)?

Dr.Houser - 21 June 2008 02:27 PM

I think there are a couple of things that need clarification in order to most appropriately answer your questions.

There is a delineation between "fat" loss and "weight" loss and somehow I feel they get a bit interchanged in your questions. I also think that we need to keep in mind the difference between "laxatives" and "cleansing" products which are NOT the same thing. Allow me to elaborate...

Laxatives only stimulate the muscular movement of the colon, but they can also cause dehydration and do nothing to loosen and remove the lining of toxins etc.... that line the colon (sometimes referred to as the "false lining"). It should be also noted that laxatives could weaken the colon by irritating and overstimulating it. This is NOT to suggest that some colon cleanse products don't contain essential laxatives because they do (herbal or otherwise), but various fiber constituents (like say psyllium) cause a reduction in calorie consumption and increased feelings of fullness that could ultimately lead to not only "fat" loss, but also improved health markers, like reductions in cholesterol.

A University of London study (I use this overseas offering because much of complementary and alternative modalities not influenced by big pharma comes from the Eastern Bloc) took a group of females and gave them 20 grams of psyllium seed granules with 200ml of water 3 hours before meal times and again immediately before the meal. Those taking the psyllium consumed an average of 15 grams less fat per day than the group that didn't receive the extra fiber.

So, I think the answer to your question is a qualified "it depends."

It depends on our definitions (i.e. - Weight vs. Fat Loss, Laxative vs. Cleanse Agents).

-and-

It depends on our idea behind what kind of fat is being lost (pre-digested or that which has accumulated in the body vs. that which is yet to be ingested).


If that doesn't make sense, let me know. I will further elaborate as needed.



D_

Woah, great advice..I didn't realize there was a link between fiber and laxatives = weight loss and that sort of thing, I just thought laxatives passed everything out as quick as possible. Thanks

As for using laxatives....it doesn't strike me as a pretty thing, think of your poor colon....and think of your toilets too, nasty..it could lead to embarrassing situations too!