Over a million laxatives are taken every year by people with eating disorders in the UK, with an increase of 30% of people naming the medicine as a method of weight loss in their disorder according to new research.
A study, carried out by
Cosmopolitan and eating disorder charity Beat, found 80% of those affected by eating disorders in the UK have turned to laxatives for a ‘quick fix’.
Beat claim children as young as 14 are now reporting to be addicted to laxatives – with side effects including spells of dizziness, organ failure, heart palpitations and even heart attacks.
The results follow-up a recent Watchdog investigation on
BBC1, where 14-year old actors were filmed buying large quantities of laxatives in supermarkets and pharmacies without being questioned by staff.
Following the research, a new online petition has surfaced, urging the government to reduce the number of laxatives sold per packet and to put the medicine behind the counter.
On the latest research findings, it’s believed more than 200,000 women in Ireland are battling with an eating disorder, although there are no specific numbers for laxative abuse.
If you have been affected by an eating disorder, or are looking for further information, see www.bodywhys.ie or contact the Bodywhys Helpline on 1890 200 444. 
