The longer they are left untreated the more serious and dangerous they become. Laxatives Laxatives are medications designed to relieve the symptoms of constipation. They are intended to be taken occasionally and only in small doses. Eating disorder sufferers frequently abuse laxatives believing these medications will cause weight loss. This is completely false as by the time a laxative takes effect all the caloric content of food has been absorbed.
All laxatives do is reduce fluid levels within the body by inducing severe diarrhea.
This will cause a temporary reduction in weight but it is very dangerous as it leads to dehydration. Long term laxative abuse will result in bowel and colon problems. Once the colon no longer functions properly it is very difficult to regulate bowel movements. Long periods of constipation followed by the sudden uncontrollable onset of diarrhea are common. These problems have also been linked to the development of colon cancer.