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Slimmers warned over laxative use | Slimmers warned over laxative use |
(10 minutes later) | |
Young women are being warned not to put their lives at risk by taking laxatives in a bid to lose weight. | Young women are being warned not to put their lives at risk by taking laxatives in a bid to lose weight. |
Consumer goods analyst Mintel has found that the UK laxative market has grown by a third to £52m since 2001. | Consumer goods analyst Mintel has found that the UK laxative market has grown by a third to £52m since 2001. |
The group believe the growth in sales has been partly driven by young women buying them to help them slim. | The group believe the growth in sales has been partly driven by young women buying them to help them slim. |
Experts agreed laxative abuse was rife, with many slimmers unaware of the dangers, including heart failure and kidney and bowel problems. | Experts agreed laxative abuse was rife, with many slimmers unaware of the dangers, including heart failure and kidney and bowel problems. |
Laxatives seem easier to get than ever. You can buy them from chemists, supermarkets or over the internet Steve Bloomfield, of the Eating Disorders Association | Laxatives seem easier to get than ever. You can buy them from chemists, supermarkets or over the internet Steve Bloomfield, of the Eating Disorders Association |
Mintel analyst David Bird said: "On the flipside of overeating in Britain, we have seen a pre-occupation with undereating and perpetual dieting. | Mintel analyst David Bird said: "On the flipside of overeating in Britain, we have seen a pre-occupation with undereating and perpetual dieting. |
"Not all laxative purchases will be made in an attempt to lose weight, but there is little doubt that this has played a key part in the market's growth." | "Not all laxative purchases will be made in an attempt to lose weight, but there is little doubt that this has played a key part in the market's growth." |
Mintel claimed typical abuse involved women taking laxatives after bingeing on high energy, sugar-rich food, hoping this will prevent calories being absorbed. | Mintel claimed typical abuse involved women taking laxatives after bingeing on high energy, sugar-rich food, hoping this will prevent calories being absorbed. |
People with bulimia are also known to use laxatives as well as making themselves sick. | People with bulimia are also known to use laxatives as well as making themselves sick. |
It is thought women are largely unaware of the risks because laxatives are widely available at chemists and supermarkets. | It is thought women are largely unaware of the risks because laxatives are widely available at chemists and supermarkets. |
Lose weight | Lose weight |
Mintel also warned over the next five years, the laxative market was likely to grow by 50%. | Mintel also warned over the next five years, the laxative market was likely to grow by 50%. |
Research commissioned by the Eating Disorders Association found that one in five women took laxatives to lose weight, with the figures far higher among female students. | Research commissioned by the Eating Disorders Association found that one in five women took laxatives to lose weight, with the figures far higher among female students. |
The association said women start taking a couple of pills a day, but can soon increase to dozens. | The association said women start taking a couple of pills a day, but can soon increase to dozens. |
Steve Bloomfield, a spokesman for the association, said: "Most people binge on sugary foods which are absorbed quickly, so taking laxatives does not work if the aim is to lose weight. | |
"Instead, they just rob the body of vital vitamins and minerals, most significantly potassium, which can result in heart failure. | |
"And what is now particularly worrying is that laxatives seem easier to get than ever. You can buy them from chemists, supermarkets or over the internet." | "And what is now particularly worrying is that laxatives seem easier to get than ever. You can buy them from chemists, supermarkets or over the internet." |
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