Does Weed Help You Lose Weight?

Have you ever heard that weed can help you to lose weight? Several studies have closely linked marijuana use and its effects on appetite. These studies show that marijuana can contribute to weight loss, which may seem contradictory since it’s known to stimulate appetite. In this article, we’ll discuss what is known about this topic and what research reveals.

Does Marijuana Lead to Weight Loss?

Providing a definitive answer to this question is not straightforward, but there are certain observations to consider. Recent studies have revealed certain aspects of cannabis use, including:

• Regular cannabis users burn approximately 600 more calories per day than non-users.
• Cannabis lowers fasting insulin levels, promoting insulin absorption in the body, making it easier for the body to produce and absorb insulin.
• Cannabis interacts with the human endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite, pain management, and memory. Regular use may help regulate certain levels in the body.

All of this has prompted scientific exploration into whether marijuana can lead to weight loss and why this may occur.

How Does Cannabis Affect Metabolism?

Two compounds in cannabis affect metabolism:

THC

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is directly responsible for increasing appetite. It rapidly enters the bloodstream and is also responsible for weight loss, particularly in overweight individuals, as it improves bowel movement and, consequently, facilitates waste elimination. This is the scientific explanation for why marijuana might lead to weight loss, as it accelerates metabolism.

This is one of the positive effects of marijuana that can be highlighted. While there is still much research to be done to definitively claim that marijuana leads to weight loss, it may assist in achieving this outcome.

In other words, various tests have been conducted on cannabis users and non-users, consistently showing lower rates of obesity among cannabis consumers. 

It’s not so much that marijuana causes weight loss but rather that it may substitute compulsive habits, such as replacing smoking with eating.

Therefore, it can be concluded that:

• Marijuana may lead to weight loss by regulating the intestine.
• It accelerates metabolism.

CBD

Another compound in marijuana that influences metabolism is cannabidiol (CBD). It interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors, especially CB1. In obese individuals, these receptors are distributed throughout adipose tissue, leading researchers to believe there may be a link between these receptors and obesity.

Some indications from research include:

• Conversion of white fat to brown fat. White fat is stored to protect organs, while brown fat burns calories and generates heat. CBD might regulate fatty tissues.
• Fat-burning properties by efficiently breaking down fats.
• Stimulating metabolism by reducing cholesterol and sugar levels.
• Unlike THC, CBD reduces appetite by influencing CB1 receptors without deactivating them.

What Do Studies Say?

Several studies have shown that marijuana can help with weight loss. Some of these studies include:

• A study published in the American Journal of Medicine linked marijuana use to proper body insulin regulation, the hormone that controls sugar in the body. In fact, regular cannabis smokers tend to have around 15% less insulin when they wake up.
• Another study published in the journal Nature, conducted by researchers at Yale University, dosed cannabis on mice, leading to the suppression of hypothalamic neurons, resulting in a lower Body Mass Index.
• Furthermore, a study from the Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics conducted by researchers at the University of Miami tested 13.000 individuals, both men and women, who consumed cannabis. The results revealed that women who used this substance had an approximately 3% lower Body Mass Index (BMI) than non-consumers. In the case of men, this figure was around 2.7%.
• A study published in Obesity Biology and Integrated Physiology found that marijuana consumers generally had lower body weight and lower blood glucose levels.
• The link between marijuana and weight loss has also been discussed in a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, which concluded that the prevalence of obesity is lower in cannabis users than in non-users.

Diets and Marijuana

Cannabis is one of the most intriguing medicinal substances. Because of this, marijuana and nutrition have many common synergies. In fact, there’s a marijuana diet you should consider.

The idea behind this diet is to enhance the aforementioned effects. Rather than being a specific diet, it involves using products that can help. Cooking with marijuana is not that hard, and it can help alleviate stress.

At GB The Green Brand, we offer numerous marijuana recipes for you to enjoy while cooking exquisite dishes.

It’s important to remember that using marijuana should be accompanied by healthy habits and exercise. Before incorporating any routine or using weed for weight loss, it’s advisable to consult with a nutritionist.