What's the big deal with laxatives? They are pointless so why are they abused?

[BarryWhiteIsMyBrother]

I'm currently losing weight slowly and safely by calorie counting. As I looked online for tips I came across some people talking about using laxatives to speed things up. However this stuff only gets rid of water and essential minerals. So can someone please explain to me why so many people abuse them? What's the aim?

Because people have eating disorders/disordered eating. They are addictive in a physical sense (you need more and more to 'empty' out - people end up taking 100+ at a time) and mentally (as you need to feel empty, and the pain is a form of self harm, or punishment for eating).

They are best avoided unless medically necessary.

Because some people don't care about their health; they just want to lose weight (even if it's just water weight). It's about control, self-harm and feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

Yes, this is what I was also reading. It's water weight. I like it when my tummy feels empty, but not as much as when it feels full