Does Smoking Weed Really Make You Lose Weight?

Based on research, it is said that there is a link between cannabis use and lower body weight. Consuming cannabis might be associated with lower body weight, but it is not as straightforward as it sounds. Scientific evidence has shown that smoking cannabis can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories. It also has the potential to reduce stress and relieve pain which aids in weight loss. Here in this blog, you can learn about the relationship between smoking cannabis and weight loss.

Does the research link cannabis to weight loss?

Smoking weed for weight loss has been an old discussion. As per reports, people consuming cannabis with obesity were higher in number as compared to young people. They smoked at least 3 days a week. Cannabis users had lower BMIs and obesity rates but an increased calorie intake. It is important to know that there is not enough research or evidence that says using cannabis is an effective way to lose weight.

What are the reasons behind those study results?

Based on a few theories on why cannabis use is linked to reduced BMI and lower chance of obesity, you can understand the reasoning behind it.

• It can increase the mobility of the individual:

  When used properly, cannabis can give you effective results in reducing body stiffness and pain. It helps people who are struggling with mobility issues and allows them to become active when consuming cannabis.

• It reduces the chances of consuming alcohol:

  People who consume more cannabis may consume less alcohol than those who don’t. It means that they are not consuming calories from alcoholic drinks which can result in lower BMI.

• It can lower stress:

  Stress eating is real. However, weed can ease anxiety and calm your body when you are feeling stressed. When people are stressed, they tend to overeat and rely on comfort food. Some individuals believe that consuming weed can reduce stress eating and eliminate the choice of eating junk foods.

• It can improve your sleep:

  Having poor sleep can contribute to weight gain. It helps in managing stress levels and improves insomnia. Chances of consuming weed contribute to making your body relaxed and calm, which results in allowing you to rest properly.

• It may boost metabolism:

  Cannabis has a cannabinoid receptor present in it which plays a role in improving the metabolism and food intake. Consuming high amounts of cannabis helps in reducing energy storage and results in lower BMI.

Consuming cannabis does not cause any sudden weight loss. It is believed to help individuals recover from certain medical conditions that can contribute to weight gain. It helps in managing your stress, anxiety, body aches, depression and other medical illnesses. You must get approval from your doctor to consume medical marijuana that can help in treating these medical conditions.

What is the relationship between munchies and smoking cannabis?

The research around weight loss and cannabis consumption is a long-standing association between snacking and weed smoking. With an increase in the sales of junk foods like cookies, ice cream and chips in places where cannabis is legal, it does not mean the cannabis is responsible. How can people smoke weed eat more and lose weight? The researchers are still trying to figure out a balance between two major cannabinoids in weed. THC is a psychoactive compound that may result in high; it can trigger the hunger of an individual. Another compound present in weed is CBD which seems to counteract certain effects of THC including mood-altering effects and appetite boosting. Cannabis may cause you to eat more. It is caused by the chemical THC present in the cannabis. It leads to increase in appetite and which can increase the BMI of individuals who consume excess calories.

What’s the catch?

At first, you might feel that smoking weed is a good way to lose weight but since there is no evidence that states using cannabis directly causes weight loss, it can be difficult to assume it. However, it may indirectly contribute by helping with certain issues like insomnia, and chronic pain that can contribute to increased body weight. However, one must know that consuming cannabis does come with risk, especially when you decide to smoke. The smoke contains cancer-causing agents, toxins and irritants that can cause chronic diseases. Weed smokers inhale more deeply and hold in the smoke for longer, they are exposed to consuming more tar per breath than cigarette smokers. Over time, smoking weed can damage your lungs and airways which can reduce the respiratory functioning of your system. It can increase your risk for airway inflammation and cause chronic bronchitis. You must know that it can be misused by younger people who consume it before the age of 18.

Wrapping up

With some evidence that smoking weed may affect weight loss, a lot more research is needed. Smoking is harmful even if it is cannabis. Using cannabis through nonsmoking methods can offer some health benefits but it may not be recommended for weight loss. Although people who smoke cannabis have lower BMI. When it comes to losing weight, cannabis alone will not provide any major effect. It should be combined with proper sleep, a healthy diet and regular exercise. However, scientists are still researching to find interlink between cannabis and weight loss.