In some cases, individuals take even more laxatives as a way to relieve the water retention and bloating they feel. In summary, Eating disorder sufferers frequently abuse laxatives believing these medications will cause weight loss. This is not true 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. The misuse of laxatives and enemas can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage.
Laxative abuse can also be a warning sign that a loved is suffering from an eating disorder.
The Dangers There are many short and long term effects that laxatives can have on the body. Below are just a few but this list is not limited. They must be present in very specific amounts for proper functioning of nerves and muscles, including the heart muscle. If laxatives and enemas upset this balance, it can result in tremors, muscle cramps and spasms. The heart stops and unless the person receives immediate emergency medical treatment the individual will die.