Getting high before heading to the gym might sound like a great idea, but it probably isn’t. In fact, it could be doing more harm than good. While THC might improve your mood, it could also be hindering your efforts to get fit.
There’s some evidence that shows an association between smoking marijuana and weight gain. According to a study from 2014, people who smoke weed experience an increase in body weight of about 2.7% compared to those who don’t. Additionally, frequent users of marijuana in the study gained about 7% more weight than those who didn’t use it as often.
Researchers say this is probably because of the way marijuana interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body. This system is responsible for modulating a variety of functions including appetite and metabolism. The study authors write:
- “This suggests that long-term use of marijuana may be associated with increased body weight.”
- “[…] we hypothesize that the endocannabinoid system may mediate some of the appetite suppressing effects of THC.”
- “Therefore, it is possible that alterations in the endocannabinoid system may underlie the association between THC use and increased body weight.”
So, what could be causing this weight gain? Is it the munchies? How about the relaxation and stress relief that comes from smoking hemp? Have you ever felt happier, healthier, and more creative after a good bowl of banger and mashie?
Let’s explore.
How Does Weed Affect Metabolism?
Most people who smoke weed believe that it has the ability to increase their appetite and cause them to crave food. While there’s some truth to this, it’s more complicated than you might think. In fact, the mechanism behind this food cravings might be rooted in your gut rather than your brain. Here’s why.
Weed interferes with the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats in the body. It does this by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the gut, which then signals the pancreas to produce more insulin. The more insulin that’s produced, the more carbs the body will absorb. This, in turn, can lead to weight gain. Your body won’t store the food as fat because it lacks the hormonal stimulus to do so.
In a similar fashion, weed also blocks the metabolic process of proteins in the body. This again causes the body to retain more fluid and ultimately increase the weight of the individual. So, while weed won’t necessarily make you fat, it might just make you feel like you have more energy to fall back on when the day’s chores are done.
Is There Any Harm In Getting High Before Going To The Gym?
There’s a common misconception that going to the gym after getting high is somehow better than going to the gym before getting high. This couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, it might be dangerous to your physical and mental health to do so. Here are some reasons why.
- Heavy exercise during times of drug use can cause a drug reaction known as “Rhinotillexis.”
- The body’s natural reactions to THC are actually quite harmful. Your skin could end up taking on a bluish tint and you could develop a pinpoint eye redness known as “potentiophilia.”
- In rare cases, people have experienced severe allergic reactions after coming into contact with hemp or marijuana. This could lead to anaphylactic shock and, in some instances, death.
The Takeaway
If you’re considering trying out weed for the first time or you’ve already had a go at it, it’s a good idea to get your body’s reactions and any possible side effects under control. You don’t want to endanger your health by exercising too heavily while on drugs or by consuming them before exercising.
From what we know, getting high typically leads to people eating more and moving less. This combination could easily cause an individual to gain weight. So, if you’re looking for ways to shed off those extra pounds, consider kicking the habit or at least moderating your intake. Otherwise, you might be doing more harm than good.