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A TikTok trend is causing a lack of laxative drugs in the USA. A laxative is a constipation medicine. It is for people who have problems on the toilet because of hard "poo". Laxatives loosen the poo to make it easier to go to the toilet. TikTok influencers are making teenagers think that laxatives will help them lose weight. The videos have been viewed over one billion times. Hundreds of thousands of youngsters are emptying drugstore shelves of laxatives, so people who need the medicine cannot get it. Doctors give the drug for things like constipation and Crohn's disease.
Doctors are worried about the social media trend. They say the online videos have incorrect information, as laxatives are not for weight loss. They only lead to water being lost. Any weight lost from laxatives is quickly put back on after having a drink. People should only use laxatives after talking to a doctor because they can have side effects, like headaches, thirst, tiredness, dry skin, and dizziness. Doctors say it is healthier to lose weight through lifestyle changes. Eating more fruit and vegetables, and exercising are better than using laxatives for losing weight.
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