I'm curious about something that I keep reading, and I'm not asking this because I want to start taking laxatives as a way to lose weight, but everything I read about taking laxatives to lose weight, it says that it can't possibly work because by the time the laxatives take effect, the fat/calories from the food has already been absorbed by the small intestine. Now I have a friend with an eating disorder, who has been abusing laxatives for years and is pretty much skin and bones now. So, if it doesn't work, why is she so skinny? Everything I read about it says that it's a myth for losing weight, so why did it work for her?

Donna

Hey Donna
a very good question!! U see...i cant understand how they do work because...well...they rid ure body of stuff...but just that little bit quicker..? I did try them a little while ago and I cant say it made any difference. Is your friend doing a lot of exercise?..I guess just not eating would have gotten her to skin and bones... but yeh...cant really answer that for you because I have the same confusion!

Caroline:)

I agree too. I've never really absused laxatives, but I think they work the same was as throwing up. I just herd that laxatives just get rid of your water weight and make you feel very dehydrated.

Laxative abuse can eat away at your intestines, causing irreversible damage. Then can eat away at your stomache. In short-they can kill you. I imagine your friend is losing weight with the laxatives because she is anorexic as well and she is eating nothing and therefore the laxatives are dehyrating her. A person who eats normally or binges will not lose weight (think FAT) with laxatives, they only dehydrate you. 70% of our bodies of water, and losig water does not mean you have lost weight. You can also become dependant on laxatives and become unable to go to the bathroom without them. It is a dangerous road you need to stay clear of.

Basically, laxatives do just get rid of the water-weight - from the already absorbed calories.

I'd suggest that your friend has more going on that just laxative abuse.

Jo xx

i was supposed to give up my laxatives last week thursday. i hadn't used them in a few weeks (i never used them a ton), but i couldnt get rid of them, its like having them in my posession made me feel safe. you know? i used them yesterday though, i paid for it at school though:-(

so why don't you get rid of them today? i challenge you!! think of it as a fun, empowered woman thing. take that box, stamp on it a couple times, and toss it into a dumpster! then laugh at what a goofball you just were. come on, you can throw them out!!!

i'm so scared to. you know how when people tell you to do something and immediately you want to do the opposite? Or tell you not to do something and it makes it so much more tempting? I guess I've been struggling with that a lot. Maybe I'm in denial, but I don't see the occassional use as a problem.

so why don't you get rid of them today? i challenge you!! think of it as a fun, empowered woman thing. take that box, stamp on it a couple times, and toss it into a dumpster! then laugh at what a goofball you just were. come on, you can throw them out!!!

you know what, i think i'm going to get rid of them. when i first read your post, i was immediately thinking...whatever she's full of crap i dont need to get rid of them. And part of me is still thinking that way, but you know what? i'm not hurting you or anyone by keeping them. Keeping them is not getting back at all the people who have hurt me, it's just hurting myself. I think I'm going to bring them into my nutritionist tomorrow. Thanks for the challenge:-P

hey, no problem and good decision. i know what you mean, we're always "fighting," you know? "fighting" against every little thing that could possibly, maybe, just a little bit CHALLENGE the ed's power over us. and then all of the sudden you stop and you're like, "why the he** am i doing this??? this isn't affecting anyone around me, it's only hurting me. no one else even gives a sh**!" so yeah, i TOTALLY understand your response, but it's really cool that you were able to think it over and that you've decided you might get rid of them. i mean, seriously, what do they really give you besides a nasty stomach and some bad-smelling sh**? okay, enough nasty thoughts, but i just wanted to respond. :)