Slimmers Warned Over Laxative Use

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. 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.

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."

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.

It is thought women are largely unaware of the risks because laxatives are widely available at chemists and supermarkets.