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Laxatives??

A friend of mine told me recently that when she feels shes put on a few pounds she'll take laxatives for a few days and the weight comes off. Even if this is true I dont think that I'd risk that much discomfort for easy weightloss...but I was wondering, DO laxatives make you lose weight? It seemed to me like that didnt make sense because it means that you've already digested the food and therefore taken in the calories...right?anyone have an answer?

Thu. Nov 10, 9:01am

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Right!
Laxatives make you go to the bathroom alot..which is good due to it ridding the body of toxins and exces weight....HOWEVER, it can be damaging to your body if take for prolonged periods and i would not reccommend it. Nor im sure would any doctor.....
Hope this helps!
~~~Workout25

Thursday, November 10, 2005, 9:41 AM

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Yikes is all I have to say about that. I suppose there is something to using laxatives to lose weight, as it tends to be part of an aneroxic's regimen. Not to imply that your friend is aneroxic, I'm just noting that it tends to be used in that circle to help drop weight.
I'm with you, the discomfort that would come along with even semi-regular use of laxatives as a weight control device is not worth it. Of greater concern is the idea that your friend sees this as an acceptable way to drop a few. How about cutting back on a few snacks and increasing exercise? It doesn't sound like a healthy attitude to weight loss at all. Geez, I would think it much better for her to just take a fiber supplement each day. At least fiber is something that a vast majority of the population is sorely lacking in. It would help "move" things, but in a safer and much healthier manner. Hopefully she will recognize that laxative use, even occasionally, is not healthy!

Thursday, November 10, 2005, 9:43 AM

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Laxatives make you lose water weight, not calories. They also dehydrate you, unless you also drink a ton of water, in which case you won't be losing weight! And your body doesn't function correctly when it's dehydrated, so, it doesn't burn food as well - and usually, people mistake thirst for hunger anyway, and end up eating more!

So, any weight that you could lose from a laxative will just come right back as soon as you drink some water!

Thursday, November 10, 2005, 10:07 AM

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I agree with the above posters. There are some good times for laxatives:

When you are travelling, you are more likely to get constipated. Laxatives help regulate your GI tract, and keep you healthier (not to mention happier) and keep you from gaining weight. However, you would probably lose that weight in a few days after returning home (it just hurts more).

And, yes, you have to drink a lot of water.


BUT
If you need to fit in a dress for one specific event, go ahead, lose water weight and go a little dehydrated. Just be sure to drink a ton of water the next day.


Thursday, November 10, 2005, 10:21 AM

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lol

i take them when I'm PMS. I swear my body holds everything in. so much more comfortable than suffering.

Thursday, November 10, 2005, 5:37 PM

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believe it or not, using laxatives for weight loss is a form of bulimia... although it can be tempting, it's not a physically or mentally healthy way to lose weight. watch out and maybe try to educate your friend a little. i've had friends who have suffered from eating disorders and they can be dangerous traps.

Thursday, November 10, 2005, 5:40 PM

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hm...

so...i have IBS, and i take Fibercon (fiber supplements) daily to help combat the symptoms.

the bottle says "laxative" on it...is this the kind of laxative you guys are talking about? i thought it was just extra fiber...which doesn't seem dangerous...or like it will help me lose weight. i certainly don't think it has.

Thursday, November 10, 2005, 5:58 PM

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hm....continued

oh, and i drink TONS of water. like 3L a day.

Thursday, November 10, 2005, 5:59 PM

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my 2 cents

I'm still dealing with bulemia issues and laxatives are my biggest weakness. I take them when I think I've eaten too much food and I feel guilty. Although it doesn't get rid of the calories, it gets the yucky, guilty feeling out of me. I tend to take 10-25 laxies at a time - dangerous, I know - but in my mind one dose just isn't enough. Stay away from them if you can. I try to, but it's like I'm addicted to them or something:(

Thursday, November 10, 2005, 9:20 PM

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how does your body survive that? 10-25 at a time? If I even take 1 extra of the recommended dose I have horrible horrible stomach cramps... I would think 25 could actually explode something and kill you.have you seen a doctor?

Friday, November 11, 2005, 12:35 AM

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I agree with the above poster. You are damaging your health!!!!
If needed, please get some psychological help..

Friday, November 11, 2005, 2:57 AM

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response

I've been doing this for so long. Yes, my tummy feels like it's going to explode sometimes. I scared myself really bad once so I'm trying SO HARD to stay away from them.

Bottom Line: If you need a quick water-loss fix, they are fine. Just don't use them ALL the time or you'll end up dependant on them (like me).


Friday, November 11, 2005, 4:14 PM

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have you sought help for this addiction???
I hope that the next time you feel you need them you will get on here and let us help you through the trying time

Friday, November 11, 2005, 7:01 PM

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no

No I haven't sought help for this - I feel so rediculous - "My name is ______and I'm a laxaholic."

Thank you for your support, though:) It means a lot that I know I can come here and people will listen:)

Saturday, November 12, 2005, 7:27 PM

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is there a way that you could talk to your dr. about this??? maybe attend private counseling???
I am just so worried to hear about you doing this to your body

Saturday, November 12, 2005, 8:29 PM

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Hotline and website

Yes, please please get help. It was reported, for example, that using laxatives waspart of Terri Schiavo's problem that ended up in such a miserable situation. If you feel unable or unready to talk to your doctor, the Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders association advertises a hotline (weekdays 8-5 central time) at 847-831-3438 and has a website at anad.org (link attached) with information, chat rooms, etc. I doubt that anything you have to say will be ridiculous to them. Please do take steps to get help. I'm sure there are many people who woud be awfully saddened if anything bad happens to you.

Link

Saturday, November 12, 2005, 10:28 PM

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I have done it

When I was in college, I had to maintain a specific weight for an activity I did. Regardless of how I watched what I eat (like no pizza and beer) and how much I exercised (an average of 2-3 hrs a day, 4-5 days a week then) I couldnt' keep within my weight limit. One year, right before weigh in, I tried an exlax. I have never been more miserable in my life. When that hit my system, I'm just glad I was between classes and could run for the next 45 mins to and from the bathroom. I never took them for weight loss again.

Sunday, November 13, 2005, 8:03 AM

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Don't cause permanent damage to your health

Using laxatives to control your weight is very dangerous. You may do this on (very) rare occassion as part of a special fast or something, but please don't use them for regular weight loss. It's as bad as forcing yourself to vomit.

The above posters are right -- it is a type of bulimia, and you will damage your health. You will also fail to gain control of a healthy lifestyle, so you are defeating the purpose of learning how to eat right and work out.

Monday, November 14, 2005, 10:50 AM

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Laxatives

Laxatives should only be taken as advised by a doctor. Any time you take laxatives -- even for a medical condition -- you risk becoming dependent on them (you could get painfully constipated once you stop taking them).

Monday, November 21, 2005, 8:09 PM

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Laxatives

Laxatives should only be taken as advised by a doctor. Any time you take laxatives -- even for a medical condition -- you risk becoming dependent on them (you could get painfully constipated once you stop taking them).

Monday, November 21, 2005, 8:09 PM

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VERY dangerous

My grandmother suffers from bulimia and has her entire life. She uses laxatives to purge and has ended up in hospital, in a coma, at least two times that I know of (my extended family is VERY secretive about this as it "reflects poorly on our breeding"...I'm serious, they've said that).

Because she overused laxatives her body became unable to properly regulate its electrolyte levels and shut down, her kidneys and liver were so damaged that they've put her on waiting lists for organs, sections of her intestines and colon had to be removed because they had atrophied and basically died from not ever having to work to push things through and she now suffers from dementia because she was so malnourished for such extended periods of time.

So, my personal view of laxatives...if you're constipated and you've tried a bran muffin or some prunes without success, a laxative can help (but you should also take a look at your diet and see if you're constipated often...maybe introducing more fibre is necessary). If you're using them to lose weight, even if it's just a few pounds here and there...you're playing with fire. It's TOO easy to start using them more often (since you develop a dependency as your bowels become "lazy") and there are FAR more things than just water and "waste" that you're losing.

Monday, November 28, 2005, 10:53 AM

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Why can't laxatives help me control my weight? After I use the bathroom, I always weigh less than I did before.

A healthy bowel receives food residue from the stomach and small intestine. As the bowel fills, fecal matter stimulates nerve endings, causing muscle contractions that expel the residue from the body in a bowel movement.

Laxatives and enemas artificially stimulate nerve endings in the large bowel, which is also called the colon. The colon is one of the last structures in the digestive tract. By the time food arrives there, nothing is left but indigestible fiber and other non-nutritive material.

Laxatives remove lots of water from the colon as well as food residue. The scales indicate weight loss after a laxative-induced bowel movement, but it is false weight loss. The ounces or pounds return as the body rehydrates after liquid intake consumption. If the person refuses to drink liquids, s/he risks dehydration which can lead to fainting spells and in some cases death.

Laxatives and enemas cannot stimulate the small intestine, the part of the GI tract where food is digested and where nutrients and calories are absorbed. The small intestine does not even have the kinds of nerves that occur in the colon and respond to artificial stimulation.

In one experiment, a group of laxative abusers ate a high calorie meal. A group of normal people ate the same food, which totaled several thousand calories. The laxative abusers took their purgatives of choice. The normal people let nature take its course. Researchers collected all the material passed in bowel movements and tested it for calorie content. Even after consuming thousands of calories and massive amounts of laxatives, the laxative abusers managed to remove only about 100 extra calories from their bodies, the amount found in one small cookie.


Monday, November 28, 2005, 1:07 PM

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There are much more efficient ways of reversing a mistake.

Friday, November 10, 2006, 2:55 PM

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OMFG!!! Are you serrious?

That's a sure sign of an eating disorder. Please get some help for your friend.

It is NOT ok to take a laxitives for a few days to take off a few pounds-- come on, I'm not going to post something positive so any one can feel all warm and fuzzy and justified in developing an eating disorder.

To any one doing this or thinking about doing this: Do yourselves a favor and eat right, workout, maintain a healthy lifestyles, and get rid of your scale. 20 years from now you'll be happy you did instead of cutting corners for a quick diet fix.

Friday, November 10, 2006, 3:35 PM

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purge /p?rd?/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[purj] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation verb, purged, purg?ing, noun

–verb (used with object) 1. to rid of whatever is impure or undesirable; cleanse; purify.
2. to rid, clear, or free (usually fol. by of or from): to purge a political party of disloyal members.
3. to clear of imputed guilt or ritual uncleanliness.
4. to clear away or wipe out legally (an offense, accusation, etc.) by atonement or other suitable action.
5. to remove by cleansing or purifying (often fol. by away, off, or out).
6. to clear or empty (the bowels) by causing evacuation.
7. to cause evacuation of the bowels of (a person).
8. to put to death or otherwise eliminate (undesirable or unwanted members) from a political organization, government, nation, etc.

BASICALLY, PURGING IS PURGING, NO MATTER WHICH END YOU DO IT FROM.

Friday, November 10, 2006, 3:59 PM

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Huge sign of eating disorder!

Not to mention the health consequences. Like others mentioned it can cause dehydraction, but it can also weaken the muscles in your bowls, making it more difficult to pass stools without the help of a laxative.

Friday, November 10, 2006, 11:50 PM

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I have battled with this problem for some time so I just feel like I have to say....yes, you can lose weight. #1 the food moves quickly through you so your body doesn't have enough time to absorb all of the calories #2 the cramps and sick feeling after you eat make you not want to eat as much.

That said---it is NOT a good idea to use laxatives as a method of weight loss. It is a slippery slope into becoming dependent on them both psychologically and physically.

To the earlier poster who is using them, please keep in mind that it is like any other addiction and it will take time and lots of strength to break yourself away. They give you an incredible source of control that is hard to part with. But you can do it, hang in there!

Saturday, November 11, 2006, 12:07 AM

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To the OP - Don't Do it!

Using those stimulant laxatives (like Ex Lax) is not good for your health AND can be very painful.

I agree with other posters about using laxatives in this manner as being a form of bulemia....

When I was in college, I would occasionally use them as a way to "lose weight", but believe me, I was miserable and felt worse physically when I took them....

Then I found a book that made me re-think what I was doing (I think it was called "It's not what you're eating, it's what's eating you". I had a sister whom I suspected to be be anorexic (she was always the skinny sister, and I've always been the "chunkier" sister (looking back at those pictures of me in college, I was actually "normal" size, but being from an Asian background and seeing pictures of ultra-thin Asian women, it gave me a complex.0

I watched my sister do some things that made me suspect that she had an eating disorder (such as OVER stressing over every little bite of food she was eating).... going to the bathroom very soon after eating, etc...

However, when I found the book, I started reading it myself and realized that I was actually having some of my own symptoms of having an eating disorder.... She may have been doing the anorexic type habits of restraining her food intake, but I was doing some bulemic types of activities--eating "normal" portions of food, but finding ways to "get rid of it" (such as using diuretics and laxatives.)

You may want to talk to your friend about what she's doing to her body-- it's certainly not healthy and can lead to a variety of other physical and psychological problems... and for yourself-- I suggest that you look at drinking lots of water, eating fruits and veggies to help with natural fiber intake and digestion... You would be surprised at what eating a couple of large apples or bananas a day can do to help keep the bowels moving and to "fill you up" with good calories vs. bad ones....

Stay away from stimulant laxatives and maybe use a smaller plate to help you visually "fill your plate".... (I recently saw a show on TV where they did some research and using smaller plates really DOES help to limit your intake..)

Don't sacrifice your health--everyone has daily fluctuations in weight (due to hormones and other influence). Just think of weight loss in this way-- it's not a sprint, it's a marathon....

Saturday, November 11, 2006, 11:08 AM

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Oops, in my last post (11:08) I forgot to mention that when I found that book (back in about 1989), I bought it with my sister in mind, but when I read it, I could see my own patterns of destruction when it came to food....(I did give the book to her after I read it from cover to cover.)

Saturday, November 11, 2006, 11:10 AM

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Holy Smokes!

I just found a post that I wrote over a year ago! I started to read the thread and I couldn't believe how much that sounded like me.

Monday, November 13, 2006, 8:41 AM

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Nov. 13, which post was the one you posted a year ago?

Thursday, November 16, 2006, 11:37 PM

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They are very effective for losing weight. No doubt about it. It's not healthy, not recommended, but effective.

Friday, November 17, 2006, 7:03 AM

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From the Holy smokes post - my original post was "I HAVE DONE IT" About 8 years ago, I took a couple ex-lax to make a weigh in. I gave up beer and pizza, was exercising a 2-3 hrs a day but still not losing any weight. I had to make weigh in if I was going to be commissioned into the military. I took the exlax, and it hit me right in the middle of a class. I spent the next hour or so on the toilet getting straightened out. The good thing is that I did make the weigh in. But, it was at such a great personal pain that I'd never do it again. I'd rather be over and deal with it than make myself that sick every again.

Friday, November 17, 2006, 8:35 AM

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I have taken laxatives prior to a colonoscopy. Dr.'s orders. I can't imagine why anyone would want to use them to make themselves think they have lost weight. They aren't that much fun.

Friday, November 17, 2006, 9:39 AM

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Not all laxatives are as powerful as what they give you for a colonoscopy. Still, I agree with you. I've never used one by choice and can't imagine that I ever will.

Friday, November 17, 2006, 2:19 PM

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the thing with laxatives is they don't prevent you from absorbing calories from what you ingest. you lose essentially water weight. and aggressive use of laxatives will deplete your system of potassium, magnesium and other valuable nutrients. the fact that they are readily available in most drug/grocery stores is what makes people try them. people eat cabbage for days on end, too, to lose weight. some people will go to extremes to achieve their desired results, but i personally do not condone or support these measures. some people are overweight because of underlying emotional disorders and i think these are the people most likely to bite at the bait of a quick solution for losing weight.

Friday, November 17, 2006, 2:57 PM

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i to am tempted

get ready to sit at me. but i had a baby 18mths ago and cant seem to loose the weight no mater what i do and am tempted to use laxatives. i did it once 15 yrs ago for a quick fix and remember it working.

Thursday, November 29, 2007, 11:51 PM

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me again

sorry if thelast post had a few spelling mistakes. it is very hard to get out of the house to excercise or use home equipment as my 18mth old gets in the way. i know it sounds like a sob story but when you have a baby everyone says it is impossible to loose those extra pounds. just dont know what else to do but laxatives.

Thursday, November 29, 2007, 11:53 PM

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Cut down on what you are eating. Go to the park with your child and run around and play. It may not be exercise like a person would normally think about it but it is movement and better than nothing.

Laxatives scare me. I remember Karen Carpenter and she used laxatives and that coupled with a few other things led to her death at such a young age.
You have to be careful and treat your body well.

Please people be good to yourselves.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 2:01 AM

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what about adding a spoonful of benefiber to your water? Not to lose weight but to help get rid of the uncomfortable constipated feeling? Isn't that what it's for? Usually when I go to the bathroom I feel like I'm not done but nothing else comes out. If I drink a glass of water with benefiber in it, I go again and that time I feel like I've completed that movement. Otherwise I'm crampy and gassy, feeling like I have to go but nothing comes out.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 6:51 AM

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Um, we're talking about laxative abuse, not normal use. The post-pregnancy is considering abuse as a viable alternative to diet and exercise. Scary scary scary. Weight loss for women is WAY more about food than it is about exercise (a hard-learned lesson, backed up by research), and she can do that. She'd just rather pop an unhealthy pill than make a smarter sandwich.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 11:29 AM

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Would 1 or 2 pills the day before weekly weigh-in as be abuse? Does anyone else do this before weigh-in?

Friday, November 30, 2007, 1:29 PM

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the intended purposes for using laxatives

In my teens and mid-20s, Ex-Lax was an easy crutch. So much so that baking a chocolate cake and hiding it in the frosting was one gag a friend pulled at a party. I also once offered some Feen-A-Mint gum (don't know if they make that anymore) in a "Chicklets" box to a co-worker, with hilarious results in the office pool... people were taking bets as to how long he would be spotted heading for the bathroom. I am very sorry to have done that, in retrospect. But a little punk pulls a punk prank. I'm so glad the "fad" wore thin before I did. Unless you have a reason for using them, good, old-fashioned fiber-rich foods and liquids are the best medicine. Reasons would be constibation due to an unhealthy diet (which should only be temporary if you don't have immediate healthy food choices) or if you're scheduled for a colonoscopy... and in that instance that is a prerequisite for the procedure and you are instructed on how to go about it, step by step. Dehydration and damage to your kidneys and liver give you just rewards... too expensive in my opinion, to put your life on the line for. Eat healthy at all times, not just before a party! Enjoy your party for the party, and splurge if you want to. Healthy eating should always be the lifestyle. Perhaps a stool softener may be a better approach. Always be truthful with your doctor, because the truth will come out in the end, pun intended.

Link

Friday, November 30, 2007, 1:38 PM

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I keep thinking of a recent Nip/Tuck episode, where a girl eats a lot of food and feels guilty, so she takes 3 laxatives, and ends up "losing it" in a hottub where she's supposed to be having a romantic time with her boyfriend! Eww!

Friday, November 30, 2007, 2:20 PM

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Yes, 1:29, that is ABUSE.
USE = dealing with a bathroom problem. Most people reach for them after 4+ days of no bowel movement. That's normal, and everything else is BULIMIA.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 2:36 PM

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1:29 - I agree with 2:36 that you shouldn't use laxitives that way, but I don't agree that it's bullimia.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 4:22 PM

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It may not be coming out of your mouth, but laxatives abuse for weight loss purposes qualifies as purging and therefore bulimia. It just takes a different direction.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 4:36 PM

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Bulimia also called bulimia nervosa, is a psychological eating disorder. Bulimia is characterized by episodes of binge-eating followed by inappropriate methods of weight control (purging).

I don't think 1:29 is describing binge eating or a psychological disorder by doing it 1 time a week.

But 1:29 - you still should not use laxitives this way..imho..even if it's just a little bit.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 4:43 PM

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So in order to qualify as bulimic, you need to purge more than once a week? Wasn't aware that there was a frequency minimum. What would that be?

Friday, November 30, 2007, 5:24 PM

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I think it's more that in order to 'qualify' as a bulimic you have to have three things 1) psychological disorder; 2) binging and 3) purging. Don't know if how many times a week is relevant.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 6:02 PM

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so just to get this clear in my mind -- using benefiber is not using a laxative? and using benefiber is not abuse? even if i put a spoonful in a pitcher of water every day and drink it all?

the reason i do it is because it makes me feel full and it helps me go to the bathroom easier (no straining). never thought about it as a way to weigh less. though i guess if you empty your bowel you are losing some weight. a pound or two maybe. am i abusing? please let me know because i don't want to cause myself any really bad damage.

Friday, November 30, 2007, 8:33 PM

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1:38 poster

Oh God, I had never seen Nip/Tuck before and that was my first exposure... Holy Mackarel! The ensuing script speaks volumes about laxative abuse with wannabe models or those with a misperception of what body image truly is. (No offense to the OP.) Surely, what happened in the bathtub should have been a red flag as to why this shouldn't be practiced to look pretty... because it sure isn't, is it?

Friday, November 30, 2007, 9:25 PM

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I cannot imagine that fiber supplements are bad for your health.

Please clarify if you are talking about fiber supplements.

Saturday, December 01, 2007, 8:26 PM

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last poster, I think you mean me. I asked about benefiber. It's a powdered fiber that you put in your water or hot food. The bottle says use 1-2 tablespoons a day. I put a tablespoon in a pitcher of water every morning and I drink all the water by the end of the day. It helps me eat less if I drink a glass of this water before I eat a meal or a snack. And it helps me "go" easier because I have a tendency to be constipated. I don't feel addicted because I can stop right now if anybody tells me this is not good for me. But if nobody can tell me how it could be harmful, then I'll keep doing it because it's helping me control my appetite and "go" easier. Thanks.

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 10:09 AM

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PP- 8:26 here. I was just asking the same question of the group. I do not see anything wrong with a fiber supplement.
But this thread make it sound like it could be really bad for you. I wanted clarification from the group as to if they were referring to fiber supplements or to exlax (which I thought isnt sold in the US anymore)

Sunday, December 02, 2007, 11:51 AM

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help?

hi there, i was just wondering how many times would you have to take them to become actually dependent on them ?

Ive only had 3 in my life time but all this month and i just binged and wanna take another before my fasting diet...

But thats always been a fear of mine...

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 3:33 AM

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help?

hi there, i was just wondering how many times would you have to take them to become actually dependent on them ?

Ive only had 3 in my life time but all this month and i just binged and wanna take another before my fasting diet...

But thats always been a fear of mine...

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 3:35 AM

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if you are going to take it just once to flush you out if u are contipated that is fine, but if taken excessivly it can cause serious problems, such as bowel cancer.

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 4:54 AM

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Oh no. i don't think that laxatives are a good idea. Over time, they weaken your muscles and make it harder for you to go on your own...

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 4:26 PM

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laxatives

laxatives teach your kidneys and colon NOT to work. you shouldn't take them unless you have a short-term, medical reason. anything taken more than 3 days in a row or in a week should have a doctor's approval. while some "colon cleansers" remove toxins and trash from your intestines, it also removes and destroys your good bacteria, which ARE necessary for proper processing. Instead - use natural fruits and veggies that have a lot of fiber. I recommend the instant oatmeal with raisins, nuts or other fruits and flavors. Drink some additional water and things should get going soon, without doing your body long-term harm.

Thursday, November 13, 2008, 4:53 PM

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Very dangerous!!!

Listen if you consider growing facial hair, major organ failure, and dehydration attractive then by all means this is the diet for you..... All you lose is quick water weight... Drink a glass of water and your back where you started.... Fiber will keep you as regular as you need to be... Plus people taking these for an extended period of time can no longer go without them... Pardon my french but how would you feel if the only way you could take a dumb would be to take a laxitve and wait...... After a long period of time your bowels start to rely on the stimulant and can no longer function without it....If you want to cleanse yourself normally try restricting processed foods, sugars, Eat fresh, leafy greens, and fiber, (Nuts,) and lots and lots of water....

Hope this help , , Please don't take your friends advice, I actually have a friend that had a friend that suggested the same.... She let it go to far.... Here kidneys and bowels shut down and now she takes 8 pills to keep the rest of her body functioning and she now wears a colostomy bag under her clothes.. (A sack that empties her bowels.)

Saturday, November 15, 2008, 9:27 PM

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Using laxatives

they don't make you lose weight, but they keep food from being digested, so you don't gain the calories. I find that keeping fruits in cabinet are really handy when you have a sweet craving & veg. are filling. Laxatives aren't worth the pain later. Love yourself and take control of emotional eating.

Friday, January 02, 2009, 4:22 PM

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Does not work at all

Laxatives do not help you lose weight...you may feel lighter in the sense that they flush the waste from your body, but they does not take back what you ate. Your small intestine absorbs all the nutrients from the food you ingest. That includes all the fats, carbohydrates, etc. So if food passes completely through the body and is excreted, that means that all your nutrients have already been transported throughout the body.

Try modifying your eating habits and exercising. Crash dieting and useless tactics like "laxatives" don't even keep the weight off.

Link

Monday, May 10, 2010, 12:46 PM

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laxatives

i didn;t know any of the effects laxatives could have on your body until i read this thread. I had a friend who told me 2 take them as their a good way of losing weight and have just taken some 2night but the box has now went in the bin after reading this, i won't have done myself any damage by just taking them this one time will i?

Saturday, May 07, 2011, 10:07 PM

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Don't do it!! I heard they screw with your system.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011, 11:27 AM

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laxaholic

Iam a laxaholic also..i take around 30 t0 40 laxative pills a day n lots of water pills also.i have been bulimic/anorexic for almost 7yrs now.i was 319lbs n iam now 96lbs. I was 85lbs in march but i made my self gain sum weight i got so sick.i know what they do to you but they r a drug to us n it is hard to overcome.i have also been in an eating disorder clinic to where i spent a month in,it is easier said than done.wish i could be normal again.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012, 6:27 PM

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How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer

How To Burn Fat
Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works
Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight?
Tips On Using PEERtrainer
Visit The PEERtrainer Community
Diet and Fitness Resources

Fitness

Weight Watchers Meetings
Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are
Writing Down Your Daily Workouts
Spending Money On A Personal Trainer?
How I Became A Marathon Runner

 

Preventive Health

How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout
Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot?
Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer?
Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy
Reversing Disease Through Nutrition

New Diet and Fitness Articles:

Weight Watchers Points Plus
How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise
New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program
New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive
Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program
 

Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne:

Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough
How To Delay Short Term Gratification
How To Stay Motivated
How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule

Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions

Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight?
Are Protein Drinks Safe?
Nutrition As Medicine?
 

Everyday Weight Loss Tips

How To Eat Healthy At A Party
How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight
The Three Bite Rule
Tips On How To Stop A Binge