In the quest to become healthier individuals, many people are turning to medical marijuana. The use of cannabis medically has been known to relieve numerous conditions. It has been shown to regulate appetites, relieve chronic pain and stimulate the immune system. Many people are now realizing the many health benefits that come with cannabis use.
Does smoking weed make you lose weight? Well, the short answer is: yes, it can. But it’s not just the weed; it’s about what you eat while you’re on it. The truth is, no one vegetable stands out above the rest when it comes to causing weight loss. However, if you want to be at your best weight, you need to be careful about what you consume.
The Evidence
Although there is no concrete evidence to support the hypothesis that eating specific foods leads to weight loss, there is some pretty strong circumstantial evidence to suggest that it happens. Many people who use cannabis report losing significant amounts of weight even when they are not dieting or trying to change their eating habits. This has led researchers to believe that there is perhaps some unique interaction between cannabis and certain food compounds that allows the body to shed unwanted pounds. Further research is needed to fully understand how and why this happens, but preliminary studies have shown that compounds in cannabis can interact with receptors in the gut, the brain, and other tissues in the body. As a result, the body might undergo changes that promote weight loss (1).
One of the more popular strains of medical marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This is the chemical that gives cannabis its euphoric effects. While the exact molecular mechanisms behind THC-induced weight loss are not yet known, there is some evidence to suggest that the cannabinoid may interfere with the body’s natural endocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are chemicals that act as messengers in the body’s communication system. They help regulate a wide range of functions from appetite to pain tolerance to mood (1, 2).
When THC binds to endocannabinoid receptors, it can inhibit the body’s normal production of these chemicals. This may lead the body to produce more of the receptors’ active form, which in turn may trigger weight loss (1, 3). Endocannabinoids have also been shown to be involved in pathways that control metabolic processes like glucose uptake and fat metabolism (4, 5). This may explain how THC influences the body’s natural functions and why it is effective in reducing obesity (1, 6, 7).
Considerations
While numerous studies have looked into the relationship between cannabis and weight loss, not all of them have been done under controlled conditions. It is therefore difficult to know for sure whether or not this is just a statistical anomaly or a truly unique phenomenon. For that reason, it is important to look at controlled studies whenever possible. The most up-to-date study on this subject was published in 2016 and looked at the effects of chronic cannabis use on metabolic parameters in humans. The researchers administered pure THC daily to twelve healthy men for one month. The results showed that THC significantly decreased waist circumference, hip circumference, and visceral adipose tissue. In addition, it increased lean body mass, reduced total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, and induced a modest increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (8).
This study suggests that chronic THC consumption may be an effective strategy for weight loss. However, just because a study showed that THC is effective at reducing weight does not mean that everybody will automatically lose weight just by using it. Just as with any other substance, there are a range of factors that determine a person’s weight. In addition to what you eat and how active you are, your genes, family history, and even the weather play a role. Nevertheless, it is always good to know that there are options for weight loss and that cannabis is one of them.
To lose weight, you need to follow a diet and exercise program. This will help you make the most out of any weight loss medication or powder. While it is not impossible for somebody to lose weight just by taking or injecting cannabis, it is certainly more difficult than it would be for somebody who is not using any supplements. Finally, make sure that you always check with your doctor before you start taking any supplements or interacting with cannabis in any way. This especially holds true for those who already suffer from certain medical conditions or are taking certain medications.