Laxatives to Lose Weight Overnight? 16 Products and Why They Don't Work
Contents
- How Does A Laxative Affect Weight Loss?
- What's the Buzz About Laxatives?
- Best Laxative to Lose Weight Overnight
- Dr. Tobias Colon Cleanse
- Swiss Kriss Herbal Laxative Tablets
- Senna Natural Vegetable Laxative
- BioSchwartz Colon Cleanser
- MiraLAX Powder Laxative
- Digestic – Laxative for Constipation Relief
- Youth & Tonic Colon Cleanser & Detox
- Prunelax Ciruelax
- Traditional Medicinals Organic Smooth Move Tea
- Bisacodyl Tablets 5 Mg
- Liquid Paraffin
- Dulcolax Liquid Laxative
- Cellulose
- Senokot Dietary Supplement Laxative
- Dantron
- HealthPlus Super Colon Cleanse Supplement
- FAQs
- Which laxative is best for fast weight loss?
- Which laxative is best to take at night?
- How can we clean our colon using laxatives?
- Can we use laxatives for weight gain?
- Are there any side effects associated with these laxatives?
- Can we take these laxatives without the supervision of a physician?
- Are all these laxatives synthetic or semi-synthetic?
- Do these laxatives directly reduce or burn the fat?
- Can a laxative help you lose weight overnight?
- What are the faster weight loss Laxatives?
- What amount of weight can be lost from a laxative?
- When should I take laxatives to reduce my weight?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Laxatives to lose weight overnight? 16 products reviewed and why they don't work
If you have tried everything to lose weight and nothing has worked, laxatives can look like a shortcut. They aren't.
Laxatives are medicines for constipation. They do not burn fat, and the weight you see drop on the scale is water and stool that comes back as soon as you eat and drink.
The NHS Grampian eating disorders service puts it plainly: using laxatives will not help you lose weight, because they reduce water absorption in the lower gut but do not change how much food you absorb.
This article explains how laxatives work, why using them for weight loss is risky, and what each of the 16 products below is actually meant for: occasional constipation.
If you find yourself using laxatives to control your weight, please talk to a doctor. Laxative misuse is linked to eating disorders, and help is available.
How Does A Laxative Affect Weight Loss?
A laxative relieves constipation by helping stool move out of the bowel. Along with the stool, you lose water, which can make you feel lighter.
Most food is absorbed in the small intestine before laxatives act on the colon, so you still absorb nearly all of the calories you ate. The lost water returns as soon as you rehydrate.
What's the Buzz About Laxatives?
Laxatives treat constipation. Some people misuse them because they make the body "feel empty," but that feeling is not fat loss.
According to the NIDDK guide to constipation treatment, there are several types:
- Bulk-forming (fiber): add bulk and water to stool, such as Metamucil or Citrucel.
- Osmotic: draw water into the bowel, such as MiraLAX or milk of magnesia.
- Stool softeners: such as docusate (Colace).
- Lubricants: such as mineral oil.
- Stimulants: make the intestines contract, such as bisacodyl (Dulcolax) or senna. NIDDK advises using stimulants only if constipation is severe or other treatments haven't worked.
Bisacodyl, mineral oil, fiber, lactulose and senna are common constipation treatments. None of them is a safe or effective weight loss tool. The products are discussed below:
Best Laxative to Lose Weight Overnight
These products help relieve occasional constipation. They don't "detox" your body and they don't cause fat loss. Use them only as directed and only for a short time unless your doctor says otherwise.
Dr. Tobias Colon Cleanse
Dr Tobias Colon cleanse is a 14-day "cleanse" supplement. It combines fiber (psyllium husk and flax seed), herbs including aloe vera and cascara sagrada, and probiotics.
Cascara sagrada and aloe act as stimulant laxatives. The product can help with occasional constipation, but there is no good evidence that colon cleanses remove toxins or cause lasting weight loss.
Pros
- Combines fiber and herbal ingredients
- Fixed 14-day course
- Assists in regular bowel movements
Cons
- Contains stimulant herbs that can cause cramps and diarrhea
- No evidence for "detox" or weight loss claims
Swiss Kriss Herbal Laxative Tablets
Swiss Kriss herbal laxative is a senna-based herbal laxative. It also lists herbs such as peppermint, anise, caraway, parsley and dandelion.
Senna is a stimulant laxative used for occasional constipation. It does not treat or prevent colorectal cancer.
Pros
- Senna is a well-known constipation remedy
- Herbal blend
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Stimulant laxative; not for regular long-term use
Senna Natural Vegetable Laxative
These 8.6 mg tablets are a generic version of Senokot for people who only want plain Senna.
Senna is a stimulant laxative that usually works overnight. Doctors sometimes recommend it for constipation caused by opioid pain medicine.
Pros
- Usually works within 6 to 12 hours
- Low cost per tablet
- Widely used
Cons
- Can cause cramping
- Not for regular long-term use without medical advice
BioSchwartz Colon Cleanser
BioSchwartz is similar to the Dr. Tobias cleanse. It contains senna leaf, aloe vera, cascara sagrada, buckthorn bark, ginger, flax seed, psyllium husk, slippery elm bark and probiotics.
Several of these ingredients are stimulant laxatives. Despite the "weight loss" and "detox" marketing, it is a constipation product.
Pros
- Combines fiber and herbal ingredients
- Includes probiotics
Cons
- Several stimulant herbs in one product
- Weight loss and detox claims are not supported by evidence
MiraLAX Powder Laxative
MiraLAX is a commonly recommended osmotic laxative. Its only active ingredient is polyethylene glycol 3350, with no herbs.
It holds water in the colon to soften stool and make bowel movements easier. It usually takes 1 to 3 days to work.
Pros
- Stimulant-free
- Usually gentle, with few cramps
- Softens stool
- Tasteless when mixed into a drink
Cons
- Not a fast, overnight product
Digestic – Laxative for Constipation Relief
Digestic herbal capsules are an herbal constipation supplement. They are not a weight loss medicine, and no capsule can make you lose weight overnight.
Follow the dosage on the label and stop if you get cramps or diarrhea.
Pros
- Herbal formula
- Capsule form
Cons
- Limited evidence behind herbal blends
- Not a weight loss product
Youth & Tonic Colon Cleanser & Detox
Like Dr Tobias, Youth & Tonic Colon Cleanser & Detox is a 15-day herbal cleanse. It contains herbs such as senna, ginger root and aloe leaf.
The "thinner waistline" on the label reflects less stool and water in the bowel, not fat loss. Follow the label dose and don't repeat cleanses back to back.
Pros
- Herbal ingredients
- Fixed 15-day course
Cons
- Contains stimulant laxatives
- Dietary supplement, not FDA approved
- Weight loss claims are not supported by evidence
Prunelax Ciruelax
Prunelax Ciruelax is a senna-based laxative for occasional constipation, flavored with prune.
"Natural" doesn't mean free of side effects. Senna can cause cramps and diarrhea. Don't exceed the dose on the label.
Pros
- Plant-based active ingredient
- Works overnight for many people
Cons
- Stimulant laxative; not a weight loss product
Traditional Medicinals Organic Smooth Move Tea
Smooth Move tea is a senna tea for occasional constipation. It also contains ginger, cinnamon and orange peel for flavor. Note that this Traditional Medicinals organic tea listing shows the brand's chamomile tea, which is not a laxative.
Senna teas are sometimes sold as "dieter's teas," but they work like any stimulant laxative and don't cause fat loss.
Dosage: follow the package directions, usually one cup at bedtime.
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Gentle option for occasional constipation
Cons
- The taste may not be appealing
- Not for daily long-term use
Bisacodyl Tablets 5 Mg
Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative, the active ingredient in Dulcolax tablets. It makes the large intestine contract to move stool along.
It is sold over the counter in the US. It doesn't reduce body fat.
Pros
- Works overnight for most people
- Widely available and inexpensive
- Easy to use
Cons
- Can cause cramping
- NIDDK advises stimulants only for severe constipation or when other treatments fail
Liquid Paraffin
Liquid paraffin is a mineral oil used as a lubricant laxative. It coats the stool and bowel wall so stool passes more easily.
Regular use can reduce absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K). It should not be taken lying down or given to young children, because inhaling it can damage the lungs.
Pros
- Lubricant action without stimulant cramps
Cons
- Can reduce vitamin absorption
- Can leak from the rectum
- Risk of lung damage if inhaled
Dulcolax Liquid Laxative
Dulcolax Liquid Laxative is the stimulant-free member of the Dulcolax line. It is a saline (osmotic) laxative based on magnesium hydroxide, which draws water into the bowel.
People with kidney disease should ask a doctor before using magnesium-based laxatives.
Pros
- Stimulant-free
- Liquid form
- Usually works within hours
Cons
- Not suitable for people with kidney problems without medical advice
Cellulose
Cellulose is a type of fiber found in plant foods. Fiber-based laxatives, such as methylcellulose (Citrucel), add bulk to stool and help it pass.
Fiber is the gentlest type of laxative and the one doctors usually suggest first. It doesn't block calorie absorption, but a high-fiber diet can help you feel full.
Pros
- Natural
- Gentle
- Supports regular bowel movements
- Also found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
Cons
- Can cause gas and bloating at first; drink plenty of water
Senokot Dietary Supplement Laxative
Senokot Dietary Supplement Laxative is a gummy laxative for occasional constipation. Check the label for its active ingredient and dose.
Like other laxatives, it helps stool pass; it doesn't reduce body weight beyond temporary water and stool.
Pros
- Convenient gummies
- Pleasant flavor
Cons
- Ask a doctor before use during pregnancy
Dantron
Dantron (danthron) is a stimulant laxative that you should not use. According to the National Toxicology Program's Report on Carcinogens, it is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen" based on animal studies.
US manufacturers withdrew danthron laxatives in 1987, and the FDA ordered them off the US market in 1999.
Pros
- None for weight loss or routine use
Cons
- Listed as a likely human carcinogen
- Withdrawn from the US market
HealthPlus Super Colon Cleanse Supplement
HealthPlus Super Colon Cleanse combines psyllium husk powder, senna leaf powder, L. acidophilus and papaya leaf.
The psyllium adds fiber, and the senna acts as a stimulant laxative.
Pros
- Relieves occasional constipation
- Combines fiber and a probiotic
- Contains Senna Leaf Powder
Cons
- "Cleanse" claims are not supported by evidence
- Packaging may vary from images
FAQs
Which laxative is best for fast weight loss?
None. Laxatives only remove water and stool. The number on the scale comes back once you eat and drink.
Which laxative is best to take at night?
For occasional constipation, stimulant laxatives such as senna or bisacodyl tablets taken at bedtime usually work by morning. Use them only as directed.
How can we clean our colon using laxatives?
Your colon doesn't need "cleaning." Your liver, kidneys and gut remove waste on their own, and the NCCIH found no convincing evidence that cleanses remove toxins or help with weight control.
Can we use laxatives for weight gain?
No, but stopping them after regular use often causes bloating, water retention and constipation. It will cause sudden weight gain on the scale because your body is rehydrating.
Are there any side effects associated with these laxatives?
Yes. Overuse can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, cramps and abdominal pain. Long-term misuse can make the bowel dependent on laxatives.
Can we take these laxatives without the supervision of a physician?
Occasional use as directed for constipation is fine for most adults. Talk to a doctor if you need them for more than a week, or if you are using them to control weight.
Are all these laxatives synthetic or semi-synthetic?
No. Fiber (such as cellulose or psyllium) and senna are plant-based. Fiber is usually the gentlest option.
Do these laxatives directly reduce or burn the fat?
No. Laxatives work in the colon after most calories have already been absorbed. They do not burn fat.
Can a laxative help you lose weight overnight?
No. You may weigh a little less the next morning, but that is water and stool, not fat. Trying to lose weight overnight can harm your health.
What are the faster weight loss Laxatives?
There are none. Stimulant laxatives such as senna, bisacodyl (Dulcolax, Correctol) and aloe act fastest on the bowel, but they do not cause fat loss.
What amount of weight can be lost from a laxative?
Only temporary water and stool weight. For real weight loss, add fiber-rich foods, cut calories and move more.
When should I take laxatives to reduce my weight?
Never use laxatives to reduce weight. Take them only for constipation, and ask your doctor about the right type and dose.
Conclusion
Nothing replaces good nutrition. A healthy, high-fiber diet supports regular bowel movements and lets your body absorb the nutrients it needs. Laxatives are recommended for people with constipation, not for weight loss.
Laxatives clear the colon and remove water, which can make you feel lighter overnight. That feeling is temporary, and using laxatives this way can seriously harm your health.
Use these products only for occasional constipation, as directed on the label or by your doctor. If you want to lose weight, aim for a steady 1 to 2 pounds a week through diet and exercise.
Bisacodyl, mineral oil, fiber, lactulose and senna can relieve constipation. None of them is a weight loss tool.
Sources
- Laxatives, NHS Grampian Eating Disorder Service
- Treatment for Constipation, NIDDK (NIH)
- Report on Carcinogens: Danthron, National Toxicology Program (NIH)
- "Detoxes" and "Cleanses": What You Need To Know, NCCIH (NIH)
