Weed and Weight Loss: Can Getting High Make You Slimmer?
Munchies and weed-induced fast-food binges are real, and many people believe that smoking weed leads to weight gain, but one large 2019 study suggests the opposite.
While some studies and surveys support these findings, the relationship between cannabis use and weight loss isn’t as straightforward as it seems.
So, does weed make you lose weight? Research on whether weed helps with weight loss is still limited and relatively new — but here’s a look at some interesting findings on the link between weed and weight loss.
Does weed make you lose weight? What the Research Says
Can smoking weed really burn fat? Though weed has a complex relationship with weight, some evidence suggests that smoking weed can potentially rev up your metabolism — the sum of chemical reactions that take place in your body and convert your food into energy.
The small boost that weed gives to your metabolism may help you burn more calories during physical activity and at rest, potentially contributing to a lower body weight.
Some earlier studies on the link between weed and weight loss in young adults concluded that cannabis users have a lower obesity rate than those who don’t use cannabis.
Researchers also found a similar link in most recent studies. One meta-analysis suggests that people who use cannabis have significantly lower BMI (Body Mass Index) and obesity rate.
Though scientists haven’t found a direct link proving that weed causes weight loss, there are some ways they believe it could influence weight loss:
Smoking weed may lower BMI and might affect metabolism.
It may improve mobility in some people due to its pain-relieving effects.
Cannabis consumption may help you sleep better, which directly impacts metabolic health.
The use of cannabis is also associated with lower alcohol consumption, which can lead to reduced calorie intake for those who replace alcohol with cannabis.
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Role of cannabinoids in appetite regulation
THC and CBD are primary cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, which also trigger hunger in some people and spark some sudden snack marathons.
On the other hand, evidence suggests that CBD takes a different approach and may help dampen the appetite-stimulating effects of weed.
Rather than engaging with CB1 receptors in the way THC does, CBD has more of an impact on serotonin receptors. Moreover, it also slows down the body’s natural store of endocannabinoids.
There are no direct studies that support its role in shedding extra pounds, but some evidence suggests that CBD may have potential as an appetite suppressant, aiding in weight management and possibly supporting weight loss.
Other cannabinoids, like THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin), have also been linked to appetite suppression, which may have a beneficial effect on your weight loss journey. Unlike THC, which binds to CB1 receptors and stimulates appetite, THCV blocks these receptors, leading to appetite suppression.
How does cannabis use lead to a lower BMI and weight loss?
While smoking and vaping weed are often associated with increased calorie intake, regular users still have a reduced rate of obesity. Scientists continue to study the impact of cannabis on hunger and weight loss, but they’ve not made a direct link between cannabis consumption and weight loss.
However, evidence points to an intriguing effect of cannabis on weight management and reduced BMI, likely tied to how it engages with the brain’s cannabinoid receptors.
Cannabis doesn’t cause sudden weight loss, but it may help with some underlying factors that may lead to lower BMI and weight loss.
Weed may help with reducing anxiety and stress. People with higher stress levels rely on comfort foods and are likely to overeat. The use of cannabis may help calm your mind, ease anxiety, and reduce stress eating.
As more young adults in America are replacing weed with alcohol, experts believe that cannabis users do not take calories from alcohol. Drinking less or prefer cannabis over alcoholic drinks could contribute to lower BMIs.
As cannabis eases anxiety and chronic pain, it may help users sleep better. Insufficient sleep is associated with increased levels of ghrelin — a hormone that plays a crucial role in appetite regulation and food intake.
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