Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Miscellaneous/2017 May 12

= May 12 =

.apk file
I require a .apk that displays the current planetary basements of this solar system, in the current houses. 43.245.123.30 (talk) 04:47, 12 May 2017 (UTC)


 * For those who, like me, wondered what a "planetary basement" is, Google is aware of the term ... just. --   Jack of Oz   [pleasantries]  05:06, 12 May 2017 (UTC)


 * I think this question is about astrology?
 * There are a lot of astrology apps on the app store. I'm sure you can find one that suits you.
 * Most of these apps will not be legally available outside the app store as a loose APK, though. ApLundell (talk) 16:24, 12 May 2017 (UTC)

Laxatives and weight loss
I have been searching online for scientific information regarding the abuse of laxatives for weight loss. I am not looking for any sort of medical advice, I am just curious about the topic after reading an article about it on a news website. I am not seeking any sort of diagnosis or prognosis or any advice. I am only seeking impartial referenced scientific articles about the topic.

Unfortunately there appears to be vert little accurate information about the use of laxatives for weight loss available online. The picture presented by the various sites that populate the first 5 pages of google search results gives the impression that Shrogners Laxatives simultaneously don't help people lose weight while at the same time wreck peoples lives by making them anorexic.

Could the Reference Desk provide me some references that answer the question of whether laxatives do actually have any effect beyond temporary weight loss resulting from expelling the contents of the bowel?

Thanks Fosty0000089 (talk) 15:07, 12 May 2017 (UTC)


 * Try some more precise Google entries - I tried "misuse of laxatives for weight loss" and got links to several organisations giving advice to those with eating problems and doing research on the subject. Wymspen (talk) 15:48, 12 May 2017 (UTC)


 * Note that misuse of laxatives in this way is one aspect of bulimia: . StuRat (talk) 16:08, 12 May 2017 (UTC)


 * The question is very broad. There are many classes of laxative.  Laxatives can simply end colonic constipation, or they can accelerate the entire GI system.  Food accelerated through the entire system will potentially cause weight loss.  (That is, the stomach and small intestines absorb sugar, fat and protein.  If they empty extremely quickly, the normal caloric absorption will not happen.)  But the colon simply reabsorbs water, and various vitamins that are processed by fermenting bacteria.  Clearing the colon alone won't rid one of calories, but may lead to malnutrition.  Keep that in mind in your research. μηδείς (talk) 21:47, 12 May 2017 (UTC)