Marijuana has been associated with many health benefits, and now it can be added to the list of potential weight loss aids. In this article, we will explore the surprising weight loss benefits of marijuana use and discuss the potential risks and benefits of using marijuana for weight loss. We will also provide tips on how to use marijuana safely and effectively for weight loss. By the end, you may be surprised to learn that marijuana could be a valuable aid in your weight loss journey.
How does marijuana affect appetite?
Marijuana affects appetite by stimulating hunger and cravings for food, often referred to as “the munchies”. This can lead to weight gain in users, especially if they are not careful to eat healthy foods. However, long-term marijuana use may lead to a decrease in appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
Is there any evidence that marijuana is an effective weight loss tool?
There is some research that shows that marijuana may be helpful in aiding weight loss. Studies have found that people who use marijuana tend to have lower body mass indexes and smaller waist circumferences than those who do not use marijuana. However, more research needs to be done in order to determine if marijuana is an effective weight loss tool.
Does marijuana use cause weight loss?
Marijuana use has not been scientifically proven to cause weight loss, although some users may report a decrease in appetite or body weight. Some research suggests that marijuana can lead to a decrease in calorie intake, which could lead to weight loss. However, it is important to note that marijuana use can also have the opposite effect and lead to increased appetite, which could lead to weight gain.
Are there any risks associated with using marijuana for weight loss?
Yes, there are risks associated with using marijuana for weight loss. Marijuana can cause an increase in appetite, which can lead to overeating and weight gain. Additionally, marijuana can also cause dry mouth, nausea, decreased coordination, and dizziness, which can interfere with daily activities. Long-term use of marijuana may also be associated with an increased risk for addiction, mental health issues, and cardiovascular problems.
Does CBD provide any weight loss benefits?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. While there is no scientific evidence that CBD can directly cause weight loss, there are studies that suggest that CBD may help to reduce appetite and prevent overeating. Therefore, it is possible that CBD may provide some weight loss benefits.
The idea of pot smokers as chubby middle-aged dudes who live for junk food and couch surfing is fast becoming obsolete. Plenty of regular cannabis users are far from fat , unhealthy, or lazy. A growing contingent of elite athletes ultrarunners and triathletes among them insist marijuana actually helps them stick to their diet and exercise regimens and keeps them trim. Some even swear weed has helped them shed pounds. They may be onto something. Although the science on weed and weight loss is still emerging, some research suggests marijuana might play a small role. Weed is not a stand-in for healthy diet and exercise not by a long shot. There is solid scientific proof that THC, the intoxicating cannabinoid in pot, indeed stimulates appetite in many people. THC binds to and activates CB1 receptors, part of the endocannabinoid system, which are located in the stomach, small intestine, and parts of the brain that monitor food intake and enhance eating pleasure. Considering these effects, one could reasonably assume that regular marijuana use would lead to weight gain. Some studies do support this theory. However, the overall evidence is conflicting, and plenty of other research suggests the exact opposite may be true. For example, a study showed that people who use cannabis at least three times a week are less likely to be obese than non-users. Similarly, research published in revealed that marijuana users had better insulin control and smaller waist circumferences. More recently, a study demonstrated that, over the course of three years, marijuana users maintained lower body-mass indexes than nonusers, something past research has found as well. But these studies must be taken with a grain of salt. There could be other factors at play. Maybe these marijuana users also used more tobacco, which is associated with weight loss. Then there are people who are heavy, start smoking pot and just feel better, so they lose weight and attribute it to marijuana when there may not be any physiological effect. Additionally, many pot smokers drink less booze , a definite contributor to weight gain. Marijuana also eases stress for many people and helps them sleep better , both of which are linked to lower BMI. There is also the pain management factor. If pot eases muscle aches and pains, it may help you stick to your workout plan or even train harder, as some athletes claim it does. Regardless of all the potential cofactors aside, some researchers believe marijuana still might, in fact, have a direct physiological impact on weight. Clark is one of them. In , he and his colleagues published a paper that, based on data from 17 large-scale studies, lays out a plausible explanation for the lower BMI and obesity rates among cannabis users. Over a hour period, he says the receptor becomes less active, likely leading people to consume fewer calories overall. Meanwhile, evidence suggests THC ramps up metabolism over time. Clark insists even once a week may be enough to keep the CB1 receptors running on low and metabolism revved. However, he is quick to point out that this is still just a hypothesis. Researchers would have to gather a bunch of people with identical diets and lifestyle habits, divide them in half, give one group pot and the other not, then monitor them over a long stretch of time. This article was originally published on 2. Some compelling data points to the idea that pot-use and weight loss are linked. Updated 7. The Science of Weed and Weight Loss There is solid scientific proof that THC, the intoxicating cannabinoid in pot, indeed stimulates appetite in many people. How Marijuana May Help You Lose Weight Regardless of all the potential cofactors aside, some researchers believe marijuana still might, in fact, have a direct physiological impact on weight. June 16, Child Development Wellness Fitness Parenting. Toys Outdoors Cars Home. Grooming Clothes Looks Sneakers.
Using marijuana and losing weight might seem like a contradiction. In fact, this appetite increase is one reason why it became medically-approved in the first place. People on chemotherapy often lose all appetite without the help of marijuana. We all know that eating too much is the main cause of weight gain. So why would anyone ever recommend marijuana as a weight loss drug? Well, some new studies are revealing that the reality is more complicated than it seems. Marijuana, cannabis to be more scientific, has a number of different compounds called cannabinoids. THC is the most famous because that is the one that makes you high. But there are other cannabinoids. One in particular, THCV, may actually help you to lose weight. It also seems to have an effect on blood sugar regulation. Finding a strain with a higher amount of THCV could be the key to finding a strain that keeps your appetite down. This means that different strains of the plant have different proportions of cannabinoids.
