[Column] Myths about laxatives

There is a lot of misinformation about laxatives. Until recently, social media platforms like TikTok popularized the idea that laxatives could be used as diet pills. These posts claimed that instead of using expensive new obesity drugs like Wegovy, people could lose weight cheaply with over-the-counter laxatives. However, laxatives are not effective for weight loss. While they may make you feel lighter after repeated trips to the bathroom, the weight loss is only temporary, caused by water loss in the stool.

Laxatives work primarily in the large intestine. Most digestion and nutrient absorption—proteins, carbohydrates, and fats—happen in the small intestine. Because of this, laxatives do not reduce calorie absorption or body fat.

You also don’t need to use laxatives based on the belief that you must have a bowel movement once a day. If you go regularly—whether three times a day or three times a week—you likely don’t need them. Overuse of laxatives can cause cycles of constipation and diarrhea. It’s also unsafe to use laxatives excessively for bowel cleansing. There is no scientific evidence that hard stools produce toxins. While constipation can be a symptom of colon cancer, research shows that chronic constipation does not increase the risk of colon or rectal cancer. Therefore, using laxatives or enemas to cleanse your bowels will not prevent cancer or other diseases. Overuse of laxatives and unnecessary bowel cleansing can be life-threatening by disrupting your body’s water and electrolyte balance.

In the past, there was concern that laxative overuse would make the intestines dependent on the medication and unable to function without it. Some studies even suggested that long-term use of stimulant laxatives could damage nerves or muscles in the gut. Fortunately, more recent research indicates that daily laxative use is unlikely to paralyze or immobilize the bowel. Still, when people stop taking laxatives regularly, it can take longer to have a bowel movement. This delay is not because the bowel has slowed down, but because the bowel needs time to fill again after being emptied by the laxative. In such cases, it's better to wait a bit longer than to reach for another dose.

To reduce laxative use, avoid ignoring the urge to go during your daily routine. Delaying bowel movements can lead to constipation. Dieting can also make constipation worse. If you’re eating less, it becomes even more important to consume a fiber-rich diet and drink plenty of water. Establishing a regular bathroom routine—ideally within 10 minutes after breakfast, when the bowels are most active—can also help.

Jeong Jae-hoon is a food writer and pharmacist. He covers a variety of subjects, including trends in food, wellness, and medications. This column was originally published in Korean in Joongang Ilbo on March 27, 2025. – Ed.