When you think of marijuana, probably the last thing that comes to mind is “health.”
But, let’s be real, we’ve all been there — and the struggle is real. The late-night trip to McDonald’s after a little too much smoking. Sounds all too familiar, right? Ordering everything off the menu and creating your own sauce concoctions may not exactly scream “healthy eating.”
However, despite all of this, research shows an interesting correlation between cannabis use and weight. On one hand, you have the classic munchies and fast food binges, which can lead to overeating and consequent weight gain. On the other hand, studies have found that cannabis users actually have a lower Body Mass Index (BMI) compared to non-cannabis users.
This might sound counterintuitive, right? Well, a 2018 review found that cannabis users consume more calories than non-users, but still maintain a lower BMI. Additionally, a recent study suggests that marijuana use in adolescence could impact the body’s energy regulation and fat storage. This raises some interesting questions about the relationship between cannabis and body weight.
So, what is it about cannabis that might be playing a role here? Some researchers speculate that cannabis may suppress appetite after consumption. But, as with anything related to health and wellness, the answer isn’t so black and white.
This leaves us with the big question: Is weed the secret to weight loss? Or is it a slippery slope that leads to unhealthy eating habits? The research is still in its early stages, but some interesting conclusions are starting to emerge.
The big takeaway? While weed may not be a direct weight loss tool, its indirect effects and potential impact on behavior are definitely worth exploring.
Will Weed Help You Lose Weight?
Not exactly.
According to Abby Langer, R.D., author of Good Food, Bad Diet, cannabis may indirectly help with weight loss in certain scenarios, such as increasing mobility or replacing alcohol with cannabis. But the direct effects are still up for debate.
Research into the compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is what causes people to feel “high,” has raised some interesting findings, but is not yet conclusive. The bottom line is, there’s still so much we don’t know about marijuana and its relationship with weight.
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Additional studies conducted in various countries have also hinted at a correlation between cannabis use and lower BMI. So, while the jury is still out, there’s definitely more to the story than just stoner munchies.