The question of whether smoking weed causes weight loss has been asked for several years now. Though there are anecdotal reports of people losing weight thanks to weed, the scientific evidence is still out on whether or not smoking weed results in weight loss.
In her 2017 New Year’s resolution video, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, host of The Epicenter, noted that although weed can cause weight loss, it usually only occurs in people who already have a weight problem. He explained that the compound in cannabis called tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is responsible for the drug’s psychoactive properties, and these properties interfere with people’s appetites. This makes sense since THC is known to bind to the CB1 receptor in the brain. The CB1 receptor interrupts the appetite-regulating effects of a neurotransmitter known as dopamine. Thus, in people who already have an eating disorder, THC could trigger a desire to consume food.
Why Does Smoking Weed Cause Weight Loss?
Though there is no concrete proof, there are several potential explanations as to why smoking weed could cause weight loss. First, remember that THC is a cannabinoid, which means it interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates hunger, appetite, and metabolism. One of the main roles of the endocannabinoid system is to suppress the appetite-stimulating effects of THC (as well as other cannabinoids). As a result of this interaction, people who consume weed may feel less of an appetite for food because the THC is already acting on their cells and interferes with their natural endocannabinoid system.
Another factor that could explain the link between weed and weight loss is that people who smoke weed may be more likely to exercise. In a 2015 study from Rutgers University, participants who consumed THC were more likely to report having gone on a diet in the last month. This could simply be because the drug makes people more inclined to get out there and move around. They might even feel excited about going for a jog since they know it will make them light-headed and reduce their waistline.
Can Quitting Weed Cause Weight Gain?
The opposite of smoking weed is eating a normal diet. It’s no secret that most people who eat healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables tend to have slimmer waists. As a result, it’s possible that someone who consumes a lot of carbs could eventually gain weight. The key is to regulate what goes in and out of your body. When you eat healthy foods, they will provide your body with nutrients and energy that it requires. Your body will then have to work hard to produce more toxins and waste so it can function normally.
It is also possible that people who eat healthy foods are naturally inclined to exercise, and they could end up being fitter than someone who eats junk food. In a perfect world, people would try to eat healthy foods and avoid toxins and pollutants as much as they can. In real life, though, we don’t live in a perfect world, so there will always be times when you have to make the most out of what you can. When those times come, you need to be ready to handle them responsibly and try to maintain a healthy weight as much as possible.
How Does Smoking Weed Affect Metabolism?
One of the main ways that weed affects your body is through your metabolism. When you smoke weed, the oxygen in your blood is temporarily decreased. As a result, your cells are not receiving as much stimulation as they need, and they start to function less efficiently. This causes you to consume more calories as you digest your food. Fortunately, this effect is only temporary, and it will wear off once you’ve recovered from the initial intake of THC. The good thing is that this temporary slowdown in metabolism can be useful in the right situation. If you’re a chronic consumer of weed, however, this temporary slowdown could eventually lead to serious health problems. The key is to be aware of how your body reacts to weed and to be careful about how much of the drug you consume.