Strategic Training Initiative for the Prevention of Eating Disorders (STRIPED)
Our initiative is a public health incubator, designed to cultivate novel insights and strategies for prevention. We introduce trainees to a rich array of disciplinary perspectives, methodologies, and theories and provide them with opportunities to join crosscutting collaborative teams.
Over-the-Counter Laxatives: Ban Sale to Children
Over-the-counter laxatives for weight control are common and widely available to consumers of all ages. Not only do these products rarely work as advertised, the abuse of these laxative products have been linked to serious chronic and acute health consequences such as hypokalemia, hepatic and renal failure, cardia arrhythmia, metabolic acidosis, and even death. Studies have shown that adolescents who use over-the-counter laxatives for weight control are at risk for future eating disorder diagnosis. Over-the-counter laxative product abuse impacts people of all genders, ages, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic statuses. An Act prohibiting the sale of nonprescription laxative products to minors and requiring sales behind the counter will help protect young people from these dangerous lethal products.
Below you will find important materials to help you bring this important advocacy effort to
your state and community:
Model legislation to use for your state’s advocacy and legislative efforts.
Paper co-authored by STRIPED Director S. Bryn Austin: Over-the-Counter and Out-of-Control: Legal Strategies to Protect Youths from Abusing Products for Weight Control