Does Weed Make You Lose Weight?

The answer to this question will probably shock you. Does weed make you lose weight? Well, according to a new study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Addiction Education, it may not make you lose weight. In fact, this particular study looked at the impact of cannabis use on adolescents, not adults. So, what did they do?

Researchers led by Dr. Michael Schmitz from the University of Buffalo College of Nursing and Health Services studied adolescent smokers. They determined that there is a link between cannabis use and fatty liver disease. Specifically, the study published by Schmitz found that there is a significant increase in the ratio of triglycerides, obesity and liver enzymes in adolescent cannabis users compared with non-users. In addition, those who smoke weed are more likely to also suffer from depression and substance abuse. Although this study published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Addiction Education, this information should be considered with caution since it is still unclear as to whether the symptoms these young people were exhibiting are indicative of a more serious health problem or if they are simply normal reactions to using a drug.

There are many factors that could explain why this happens. Some experts believe that we use cannabis for comfort and as an escape from reality, while other experts believe that our bodies adapt to the drug and begin to function more like an addiction. However, the consistent increase in weight loss, along with decreased appetite, lack of energy and moodiness is something that no amount of willpower or drugs can change.

This all sounds grim but there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Those who continue to use cannabis despite its negative consequences are doing themselves a favor. Those who use cannabis regularly and show no sign of slowing down will be exposed to the same life-altering diseases and health problems as those who smoke weed on a regular basis but have yet to exhibit the aforementioned changes in their bodies.

This new study, conducted by a researcher from the University of Iowa, sheds new light on the correlation between heavy cannabis use and increased body mass index (BMI). Dr. Michael Rubens, associate professor of pharmacology and neuroscience at the UI Health Care Center and one of the study's authors, explains that endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in regulating appetite. According to Rubens, who co-authored the study with senior author Yaira Shah, the Cannabinoid System gene drives the desire to eat and help regulate weight. The study found that frequent cannabis users (nearly 20% of those surveyed) had higher BMI than non-cannabis consumers.

While there is still no definitive answer as to whether or not the correlation between weed and weight loss is causal, the study published by the Journal of Addiction Education is definitely intriguing. Previous studies have shown links between increased marijuana use and an increased chance of having unhealthy eating habits such as snacking and less exercise. This latest research published in the journal shows that there may be another correlation between the two - those who smoke weed are at greater risk for developing a small waistline. Even those who only occasionally smoke marijuana show a lesser ability to control their appetites when compared to those who regularly partake in the drug.

This study clearly shows that those who smoke weed are at greater risk for developing obesity because they have smaller stomachs and increased amounts of fat cells in their adipose tissue. In fact, this effect of weed can also apply to non-weed users, particularly those who are extremely overweight. However, since this study directly examined the relationship between weight and marijuana, there is no way to determine if this causal link would also apply to non-weed users. In other words, we cannot say for sure whether or not smoking pot would lead to weight gain simply because we do not know if the effect of weed affects people differently than non-weed users.

The only way to tell if marijuana causes weight gain is to monitor anyone who smokes it daily to see if the effects of smoking on their body are similar to those who do not smoke. In general, the fat cells of non-weed smokers tend to be slightly larger and have a higher mass than those of weed smokers. But since not all users of marijuana are heavy smokers, this method of monitoring would not prove very useful in studying the relationship between weed and weight loss. For now, the best way to remain on top of this emerging trend is to simply watch and see.