A laxative shortage in the U.S. has surfaced, driven by a new TikTok trend that encourages their use for weight loss, dubbed as “Budget Ozempic,” Healthline reported.
Social media influencers are promoting laxatives such as Miralax, Ex-Lax, and Glycolax as cheap and effective weight loss aids. Some TikTok users argue that these over-the-counter remedies are as potent as the GLP-1 agonist semaglutide, marketed under the brand name Ozempic.
Ozempic, primarily a type-2 diabetes treatment, has recently gained popularity as a weight loss aid. However, its high prescription cost has led some to seek cheaper alternatives.
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Nutritionists have expressed severe concerns about this trend. Registered nutritionist Anna Mapson described it as “really worrying,” highlighting the dangers of laxative misuse, including dehydration, electrolyte loss, and potential damage to kidneys, gut, and liver.
Mapson and fellow nutritionist Tony Cottenden also noted the psychological implications of this trend, stating that misuse of laxatives could lead to a dependency driven by temporary weight loss, potentially contributing to the development of eating disorders and other mental health issues.
The nutritionists emphasized that weight loss from laxative use is primarily fluid loss, not fat loss, and the body will quickly work to replace lost fluids. They also debunked the misconception that faster food transit through the body equals weight loss.
They advised adhering to healthier, sustainable methods for weight management, including a balanced diet and regular exercise and warned against the influence of social media on weight loss perceptions.
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