Does smoking marijuana contribute to weight loss?
In recent years, the relationship between cannabis use and body weight has been a topic of interest for scientists and researchers. While some studies suggest a link between cannabis use and lower body weight, the scientific explanation remains unclear.
One potential factor is increased physical activity. Cannabis users often report that cannabis enhances their enjoyment of exercise and aids in recovery, which may lead to increased participation in physical activities.
Another factor could be the metabolic effects of CBD, a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. Studies have found that CBD can improve metabolic profiles by reducing weight gain, adiposity, and insulin resistance, potentially contributing to lower body weight. However, it's important to note that CBD may increase appetite in some cases, likely due to the levels of THC in the products used.
The link between cannabis use and appetite is also intriguing. While cannabis is often associated with increased appetite, some users might experience alterations in hunger and satiety signals, which could influence eating habits and body weight.
However, the overall effects of cannabis on body weight can vary depending on factors like the type of cannabis, method of consumption, and individual differences in metabolism. For instance, long-term risks of smoking cannabis include chronic cough, wheezing, and exposure to harmful, cancer-causing agents.
In terms of CBD, while there is limited human research on CBD and obesity at this stage, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC are federally illegal but legal under some state laws. CBD may counteract some of THC's effects and help dampen the appetite-stimulating effects of cannabis.
Research in animals suggests that cannabis may trigger the release of ghrelin, an appetite-stimulating hormone. However, CBD may encourage other molecules to act as antagonists to control appetite and obesity.
It's worth mentioning that a 2011 review found that cannabis users have lower obesity rates compared to non-users, and a meta-analysis suggests that cannabis users have a reduced body mass index (BMI) and less obesity. The 2018 Farm Bill made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal.
However, it's crucial to emphasize that further research is needed to fully understand the role of CBD in weight loss and the complex relationship between cannabis use and body weight. The prevalence of obesity among cannabis users was 16.1%, compared to 22% among non-users, indicating a potential protective effect of cannabis use on obesity rates.
Nevertheless, it's essential to approach these findings with caution, as the current evidence is preliminary and varied. Cannabis use can affect brain development in younger people, causing problems such as rapid heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. Therefore, the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis use and CBD consumption should be carefully considered.
[1] Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6660816/ [2] Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/ [3] Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6153032/
- While some scientists have explored the predictive relationship between CBD and reduced obesity, researchers are yet to fully understand the science behind CBD's potential impact on weight-management and health-and-wellness.
- As the type of cannabis and method of consumption can significantly influence its effects, it's crucial to consider these contextual factors when studying the relationship between cannabis use and body weight.
- CBD, a non-psychoactive compound in cannabis, may help in weight-management by improving metabolic profiles and reducing adiposity, but it could potentially increase appetite due to THC levels in the products used.
- Intriguingly, studies have shown a lower obesity rate among cannabis users compared to non-users, with a potential protective effect on obesity rates. However, these findings should be approached with caution due to the preliminary and varied nature of the current evidence.
- The effects of cannabis on appetite are complex, as cannabis is often associated with increased appetite, but some users might experience alterations in hunger and satiety signals.
- Retargeting the focus to Paxlovid, it should be noted that while CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC are federally illegal but legal under some state laws, Paxlovid is a COVID-19 treatment pill that has shown promising results in reducing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19.
