You may have heard that the people who consume marijuana always stay hungry. They have a strong urge to eat everything (munchies) after smoking weed. Isn’t it so?
Some people believe that using weed helps reduce weight, while others think it causes weight gain. So, who is right, and who is wrong? The answer isn’t as simple as it seems.
There are mixed opinions about the topic, and we will jump into the intricacies and try to find our answers to whether smoking weed makes you lose weight. If so, then how? What is the relation between weed and weight loss or gain, and many more exciting details?
Does smoking weed make you lose weight? What does research have to say?
There are many medical conditions where doctors recommend patients to use cannabis. For example, cancer patients and patients with eating disorders use marijuana to improve their appetite.
Research suggests that marijuana improves metabolic rate. Improved metabolic rate means increased appetite. Increased appetite leads to more food consumption, and more food consumption leads to weight gain. Simple? Maybe not.
There are theories that weed helps reduce weight. If cannabis helps gain weight, then why and from where do these theories come from? Is there any scientific evidence behind it?
Yes, there is some scientific research and studies that prove that cannabis helps lose weight.
Research has found suggesting that people using cannabis usually have lower body mass index (BMI). In this study of 735,921 participants, it was found that weed users had a lower prevalence of obesity compared to non-users.
A review of two large surveys was published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. The surveys suggest that people using medical cannabis are less obese than people not smoking weed.
A meta-analysis published reviewed randomized controlled trials and found that the use of cannabis is associated with loss in body weight and waist circumference reduction.
Another study about cannabis use and obesity in young adults was conducted. The results showed that young adult users of weed are less obese and overweight than the ones who don’t use cannabis.
A 2018 meta-analysis also found that the use of cannabis users tend to have lower body mass index (BMI) and obesity rates, even though they consume more calories.
All these studies and surveys hint towards the link between weed and fat loss. So, can we say that smoking weed does make you lose weight? Experts and numerous studies say it might!
Reasons Behind Weight Loss After Smoking Weed
Now that we have learned what science has to say about weed and weight loss, let’s discuss how cannabis helps people lose fat. Here are some factors that are affected by cannabis use and help reduce fat:
1. Enhanced Metabolism
Weed is found to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. This system is responsible for metabolism. There are several studies that suggest that the use of Rick Simpson oil or cannabis increases metabolic rate, and thus, more calories are burned, even at rest.
2. Reduced Stress Level
Stress is one of the main reasons behind weight increase. When a person is stressed, they eat more, and that food is often unhealthy. Weed is highly effective in reducing stress, and there’s no doubt about it. This stress relief can help people make healthier eating choices and eat less overall. This stress relieving helps people make healthy eating options and eat less.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Not getting enough sleep can lead to weight gain. We aren’t saying this; research backs this claim. Medical cannabis can help with that. It’s been shown to improve insomnia and can also reduce stress and pain, which are often the main reasons people struggle to sleep well.
Should you use weed for weight loss?
Science says that you should use weed for weight loss. But here’s the catch. There is no direct link between cannabis and weight loss. Weed is helpful for various other qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana in Florida that, in turn, help to reduce fat.
Moreover, using weed without proper guidance can lead to several side effects. It is best to consult a medical marijuana doctor.
Conclusion
Studies may suggest that using cannabis is the way to lose weight. However, proper guidance is necessary. Excessive or without caution, the use of weed can lead to side effects. At the start, it may improve your appetite, make you feel hungry all the time, and reduce weight. However, long-term effects can be completely different.
FAQs about Weed and Fat Loss
Does smoking weed burn calories?
Studies hint that the use of cannabis can burn more calories. It is because even though weed users consume more calories, they have lower BMI. However, there is no direct evidence to support it.
Does quitting weed help weight gain?
Quitting weed can help put on some weight. It has no direct link, but the lifestyle changes that people make can help them gain weight.
