What’s the Skinny on Marijuana Weight Loss?
I never thought I’d hear the two words weed and weight loss in the same sentence; not to even mention the idea that marijuana actually might be the perfect solution for getting rid of those extra pounds. The two are wildly counterintuitive due to cannabis’s effects. Just ask any stoner and they’ll tell you that the only association food has with weed is that consuming weed makes you want more food. So what is this about a marijuana diet?
How is it that the cannabis smoker is thinner, on average, than non-smokers? A research study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found a direct link between the two. It suggested that the rates of obesity are less in pot smokers by more than one third. The data was extrapolated from national surveys involving some 52,000 participants. The results revealed that about 22 percent of those who did not smoke weed were obese. Comparatively, only 14 percent of those who smoke marijuana at least three times a week were overweight.
Even after adjusting for other variables, the relationship between smoking marijuana and weight loss remained strong. However, researchers are quick to warn that the correlation between losing weight and firing up a blunt does not mean that weed helps you to shed pounds.
Where’s the Causation?
There are other reasons as well. For instance, studies have determined that those who are highly religious tend to avoid drugs altogether and therefore tend to be more obese. In this case, they may be exchanging one bad habit for another. There may have been a higher than normal number of religious individuals in the sample and hence the variations.
A 2015 research study found that THC reduces weight gain, energy intake, and fat gain levels in mice. After being treated with THC three times per week, it was observed that the obese mice lost weight but the mice that were already slender.
Reportedly, we have almost five pounds of live microorganisms in our intestines. These microorganisms work together with our body’s digestive tract to maintain good health, break food down and aid in weight loss or gain. THC changes the microbiome in your intestines that are believed to a healthy weight. The psychoactive modified the ratio of so called weight-enhancing microbes in the gut to a more nutritious intake after consuming a high-fat diet.
Marijuana smokers allegedly have lower body mass indexes and smaller midsections than non-smokers. However, this remains true even though the weed smoker takes in about 600 more calories a day than his/her non-smoking counterpart. One explanation might be the fact that pot smokers tend to be more active and have a lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes with almost 16 percent lower levels of fasting insulin.
How to Get Started
Losing weight is no easy feat. It’s simple enough to get started but maintaining your momentum becomes more difficult as time passes. You’ll accomplish a couple things by infusing pot into the plan. For example, you’ll notice a healthier insulin level which might result in a better cardio workout. There is appetite suppressing strains of marijuana that would also augment your diet plan.
Okay, now hold it. Before you go running to the nearest dispensary scouring through indica strains, remember that consuming more than you burn will not help you to lose weight no matter how much weed you smoke. In order to get the most out of a cannabis-focused diet, you will need eat better and to exercise; at least a little bit.
