People always have associated marijuana with causing the “munchies” (an increased urge to eat junk food) as well as having different cravings. Although marijuana usage physiologically does increase a user’s appetite, ultimately, it can aid in weight loss. Also, it can prevent someone from being obese.
Marijuana And Weight Loss
One of the first studies in 2010 regarding the relationship between marijuana and weight loss was conducted by Hayatbakhsh et al. from the School Population Health. The researchers surveyed 2,566 participants (1,264 were male, and 1,302 were females) who had a 21-year follow up of their Body Mass Index (BMI). Results showed that 50.9% who used cannabis had a BMI that’s equal to or less than 25. The healthy BMI for adults of both genders is from 18.5 to 24.9. In conclusion, the data from this study states that there is a lower prevalence of obesity in marijuana users.
Following the study mentioned above, a 2011 survey conducted by Yann Le Strat and Bernard Le Foll described a higher rate of obesity in non-marijuana users compared to others with a thrice a week usage of cannabis. The researchers adjusted the parameters (sex and age) and still noted a difference in BMI.
Recently, a 2018 meta-analysis conducted by Clark et al. also tackled the relationship between marijuana and BMI. The research stated that the intake of cannabis decreases CB1R, a factor that contributes to increased caloric intake. Cannabis has two effects: reduction of energy storage and an increased metabolic rate, which ultimately takes effect on the user’s BMI.
Marijuana Strains That Can Help You Lose Weight
Overall, the factors that affect weight loss is a balanced diet with minimal caloric intake, regular exercise, and a healthy sleep cycle. However, the average person may have a hard time achieving all these factors due to difficult work schedules or conflicts. Incorporating marijuana can help and improve weight loss as long as you know which strains are essential. It’s also equally important to know which site to visit for an excellent supply of cannabis that can help you with your weight loss journey. Visit here for more cannabis-related articles.
According to Bethany Rae, the founder of Flower & Freedom, using cannabis helped curb her appetite. It took quite some time before she realized that the strain of marijuana she smoked had a high tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) content.
1. Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
Many have confused THCV with Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for a long time. What many don’t know is that THCV is the opposite of THC when affecting the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in users. The ECS is responsible for the regulation of the body’s appetite. When there is an ingestion of cannabis that is high in THC, there is a boost in one’s desire to eat, which leads to the occurrence of the “munchies.” On the other hand, when you ingest cannabis that’s high in THCV, it acts as an appetite suppressant because it blocks the receptors that THC activates.
2. Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol is one of the primary compounds found in cannabis. Compared to THC, cannabidiol doesn’t have any psychoactive effects. Although little research has proven CBDs effects on weight loss, researchers see a correlation of CBD intake and increased metabolism and reduced food intake. An example of this is a study conducted on rats that lasted for two weeks. The subjects received two doses of CBD per day: 1.1 mg and 2.3 mg per pound of body weight. In conclusion, the rats showed a dramatic reduction in weight. Take note that the animals received CBD through injections, not orally.
3. The Effects Of Cannabis On Sleep
Obesity is directly related to a lack of sleep. It’s proven and tested that not being able to sleep with a regular cycle can cause the brain to “keep itself awake” by increasing food intake. Fatigue and sleepiness are both significant factors that can contribute to wanting to eat more and having a slow metabolism. Cannabis has long been the subject of studies because of its possible effects on the REM stage of the sleep cycle. Not only that, but the CBD component may also have a significant impact on excessive daytime sleepiness and sleep behavior disorder.
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