Linzess for Weight Loss: Does It Work?

How To Use Linzess for Weight Loss

Linzess is the brand name of linaclotide, an FDA-approved prescription drug for constipation. It increases fluid in the intestines and speeds the movement of stool. It comes as capsules in three strengths: 72 mcg, 145 mcg, and 290 mcg.

Linzess treats irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) and chronic idiopathic constipation in adults. It is also approved for functional constipation in children 6 and older.

Like any other medication, Linzess has side effects, and some people wonder whether it can help with weight loss.

The short answer is no. Linzess is not an appetite suppressant or a fat burner, and it is not approved or studied for weight loss. Any drop on the scale from more frequent bowel movements is stool and water, not fat.

Do linzess cause belly fat and bloat?

For some people, constipation is a serious, ongoing problem that needs prescription treatment. That's where Linzess comes in.

Linzess does not cause belly fat. It is used to treat people with IBS-C who have bloating and abdominal pain, though bloating and gas can also occur as side effects in some users.

How does linzess work

Linzess increases fluid in the intestines and speeds the movement of stool through the bowel. It can ease straining, hard stools, bloating, abdominal pain, and the feeling of incomplete bowel movements.

Linaclotide is an agonist, meaning it binds to a receptor and switches it on. It targets a receptor called guanylate cyclase-C on the cells lining the intestine.

When the receptor is activated, the cells release chloride and bicarbonate into the gut, and water follows. This softens stool and helps it move.

It has no established effect on appetite or body weight.

What is the dosage and administration of linzess?

Linzess is taken once daily on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day.

MedlinePlus advises that if you miss a dose and remember before eating, you can take it; if you've already eaten, check with your doctor. Never take two doses to make up for a missed one.

Recommended dosage.

Your doctor chooses the dose based on your condition and age. Higher strengths are typically used for IBS-C, and lower strengths for chronic constipation and for children.

Follow the dose on your prescription label exactly.

Preparations and administration instructions for linzess.

Take Linzess on an empty stomach at least 30 minutes before your first meal.

Never take two doses at the same time.
Swallow the capsule whole; don't chew it or its contents.
If you can't swallow the capsule, you can open it and sprinkle the contents on 1 teaspoon of room-temperature applesauce, or mix them into 1 ounce of room-temperature bottled water. Swallow right away without chewing.
The contents can also be given through a feeding tube, as directed by your care team.

Why is linzess needed?

Linzess has been studied as a once-daily treatment and helps many patients manage the symptoms of IBS-C and chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC).

Is Linzess a laxative?

Linzess works differently from over-the-counter stimulant laxatives, which push the bowel to contract. It is a prescription drug that draws fluid into the intestine to treat IBS-C or chronic constipation.

You may read claims that Laxatives can help lose weight quickly, but the weight lost is water and stool, not fat. Laxative misuse can cause dehydration and electrolyte problems, and overuse of laxatives is a known cause of unhealthy weight loss.

Linzess to lose weight.

There are no guidelines for using Linzess for weight loss, and no Linzess weight loss program. It should only be used as prescribed: one capsule a day for a diagnosed bowel condition.

Children younger than 2 should never take Linzess. It carries a boxed warning because it caused life-threatening dehydration in young laboratory mice.

Linzess is not a weight loss medicine and should never be used as one. Using it without a bowel condition, or taking more than prescribed, raises the risk of severe diarrhea and dehydration.

If you want help losing weight, talk with your doctor about proven options. These include a calorie-controlled diet, regular physical activity, and, for some people, FDA-approved weight loss medicines.

The general side effects brought by Linzess.

Diarrhea is the most common side effect.
Other common side effects include stomach pain, bloating or fullness, gas, and headache.
Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Signs include dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and extreme thirst. Stop taking Linzess and get medical help if these happen.
Severe stomach pain, or bright red, bloody, or black tarry stools, also need urgent medical care.
Some people have an allergic reaction, with symptoms such as:
- Trouble breathing.
- Hives or rash.
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Seek medical help right away if you have any of these reactions.

Linzess storage.

Store the capsules at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

Keep them away from moisture.

Don't remove the desiccant packet from the bottle.

Keep the container tightly closed and out of children's reach.

Keep them in their original container.

The bottom line

Linzess is a prescription medicine for IBS-C and chronic constipation. It is taken as one capsule a day and is not available over the counter.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your doctor whether Linzess is right for you.

Linzess is not a weight loss drug. Any short-term drop on the scale comes from stool and water, not fat, and misusing it can cause dangerous dehydration.