It’s no secret that semaglutide drugs, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, have become extremely popular this year. Recent data from Ozempic showed that providers are writing nearly 60,000 new prescriptions for the medication every week. The growing demand has continued to trigger medication shortages nationwide, driving some patients to take compounded semaglutide and, in certain cases, resort to riskier weight-loss options. Meanwhile, the high cost of semaglutide drugs and prescription requirements have others looking for cheap weight-loss pills they can easily buy over-the-counter (OTC).

What it’s like to stay on Ozempic for years. NBC News.

 

The result: people are turning to laxatives to shed excess weight—a trend the internet has dubbed “Budget Ozempic.” Some users on TikTok, for example, are sharing recipes for laxative-based drinks and foods, such as the “Miralax Mango Miracle.” Meanwhile, supermarkets and pharmacies across the country have recently reported laxative shortages.

Lee BY. ‘Budget ozempic’ tiktok trend: how it’s contributing to the laxative shortage. Forbes.

 

Wolfe R. People rely on laxatives so much, there aren’t enough to go around. WSJ.

 

Taking an OTC drug may seem harmless to some, but the side effects—such as electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, and intestinal damage—can be life-threatening and, in severe cases, irreversible. “As these products are not formulated as weight-loss agents, they have not been studied for these purposes for safety or effectiveness in terms of weight loss, and may be associated with other risks that have not yet been reported,” Kelly Johnson-Arbor, MD, a medical toxicology physician from Washington, DC, told MDLinx.

 

Ozempic and laxatives have vastly different effects on the body

 

Ozempic and similar semaglutide-based weight-loss medications work by regulating blood sugar and insulin levels in the body. This can decrease appetite and increase early fullness, ultimately contributing to weight loss.

Singh G, Krauthamer M, Bjalme-Evans M. Wegovy (Semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. J Investig Med. 2022;70(1):5-13.

 

 

Laxatives, on the other hand, soften stools and stimulate bowel movements to flush waste and water out of your system. That said, research shows some people believe laxatives will prevent their bodies from absorbing calories. This misconception has caused people, often those with eating disorders, to utilize laxatives to flush unwanted calories out of their bodies, lose weight, and prevent bloating.

Bashir A, Sizar O. Laxatives. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.

Roerig JL, Steffen KJ, Mitchell JE, Zunker C. Laxative abuse. Drugs. 2010;70(12):1487-1503.

 

 

The weight loss people experience from taking laxatives is due to the immediate loss of water in the body—not fat. “Any weight lost comes right back once you hydrate,” Steven Batash, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist at the Batash Endoscopic Weight Loss Center, told MDLinx. Real, sustained weight loss can only be achieved and maintained through the reduction of body fat, and laxatives do not help with that. And Dr. Batash adds: “They're just a risky and potentially harmful measure.” 

These drugs should not be used interchangeably. “Making a connection between the two different processes can confuse individuals and encourage a misinformed method for weight loss,” says Dr. Batash.

 

Laxative misuse can lead to serious health complications

 

Dr. Johnson-Arbor says some patients might presume that OTC drugs like laxatives are safe when used for weight loss, but inappropriate and excessive use can be dangerous. 

Misuse of laxatives can lead to dehydration, affect the body's mineral balance, and even contribute to heart problems or muscle cramps, according to Dr. Batash. Some people may develop low levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium. Drugs like MiraLAX, psyllium, and carboxymethylcellulose can also cause gastrointestinal problems, including abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Electrolyte imbalances can disrupt heart rhythm.

Khan S, Khan SU. Adverse drug event of hypokalaemia‐induced cardiotoxicity secondary to the use of laxatives: A systematic review of case reports. J Clin Pharm Ther. 2020;45(5):927-936

Laslett DB, Cooper JM, Greenberg RM, et al. Electrolyte abnormalities in patients presenting with ventricular arrhythmia(From the lyte-vt study). Am J Cardiol. 2020;129:36-41.

 

It’s also crucial to take laxatives alongside fluids, as there have been reports of certain laxatives, such axc, says Dr. Johnson-Arbor. Carboxymethylcellulose may have a similar effect, she added. 

When it comes to weight loss, quick fixes like laxatives do more harm than good. There are other safe, effective weight-loss medications for those who have difficulty accessing or affording the in-demand semaglutide medications. In addition, the benefits of a healthy diet and regular exercise in weight management cannot be overstated. The message is clear and simple, according to Dr. Batash: “Laxatives should be for occasional constipation, not weight loss.”

Cox CE. Role of physical activity for weight loss and weight maintenance. Diabetes Spectr. 2017;30(3):157-160.

Portalatin M, Winstead N. Medical management of constipation. Clin Colon Rectal Surg. 2012;25(1):12-19.