Marijuana and Weight Management

There has been a lot of discussion about marijuana and weight loss. On personal anecdotes, people have said the drug helps many lose weight and manage their appetite. But how accurate are these stories when tested, and is this enough evidence to prove that marijuana can help with weight loss? Well, look no further as we dive into the topic and see the current information on the topic. 

Marijuana Weight Loss Theory

The marijuana weight loss theory suggests using cannabis can help in weight loss by suppressing your appetite and increasing your metabolism. Despite this, many people associate marijuana use with "munchies". The munchies is a slang term for the craving one feels after using cannabis. This craving usually accompanies the urge to eat very salty or sugary foods. The reason behind this phenomenon is the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) activates receptors in the brain that control your senses. These senses can range from your sense of taste and smell. As the idea goes, your senses are heightened when using cannabis. A group of neuroscientists examined this looked at this idea using mice. They found that cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptors increase odor detection in fasted mice and promote food intake.

Additionally, ghrelin, a hormone released in the stomach, is released by THC. With this information in mind, it might seem a bit confusing to suggest cannabis may help weight loss, but the evidence is quite surprising. A national survey done on the connection between obesity and cannabis use found that cannabis users are not likely to be overweight compared to non-users. This information is more correlation than causal, so take this evidence with a grain of salt. This might be because cannabis users tend to have less body fat than non-users, not because cannabis is directly responsible for low body fat. A 2013 study hypothesized that the reason cannabis users are generally less obese compared to non-users is due to THC. The article explains that THC, or the combination of CBD and THC, can help weight loss. 

Marijuana & Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the biochemical reactions in our bodies to convert the nutrients in our food to the fuel we need to get through the day. Everyone metabolizes food at different rates. Genes, age, gender, body composition, and fitness all affect our metabolism rate. A faster metabolism allows you to burn more calories, which can lead to weight loss, while a slower metabolism means you might have higher body fat.

It is known that marijuana use can affect your metabolism, though the nature of the relationship between the two is up in the air. Cannabis use is associated with a stronger metabolism and a reduced body mass index. Some research has related intense hunger to cannabis use. The plant can trick the body into feeling hungry even when full. There is a complicated relationship between marijuana and metabolism that requires more study to understand fully. Much of the current information can be contradictory and complex for people to understand what is going on. Future changes in marijuana legalization may change this. 

CBD and Weight Loss

Recent discussions have focused on whether or not cannabidiol (CBD) can aid in weight loss. Results from a few studies are encouraging, but more is needed to determine whether or not CBD is effective for weight loss. In some animal studies, CBD was shown to suppress appetite and increase fat burning. It is still being determined if these results are consistent with humans. There is evidence that CBD may increase appetite, but in a way, one might not initially think. Currently, the verdict is that CBD does not help in weight loss directly but can have an indirect effect. CBD can mitigate pain, anxiety, and insomnia, positively impacting weight. People may see this connection when they think of CBD and weight loss.

How many calories does marijuana have?

Edibles are food items that have been infused with cannabis extract or oil. These products include gummies, brownies, cookies, and chocolate bars.

Edibles differ in caloric content depending on the type of food and the amount of cannabis used. A single chocolate bar infused with cannabis could contain anywhere from 100 to 500 calories, depending on the size and ingredients. A small pack of gummies, on the other hand, may contain 100 to 200 calories. It's not unusual for edibles to have a lot of sugars, fats, and carbs because high-fat products work well with cannabis. You might gain weight if you overeat edibles, so watch your intake.

It is critical to be aware of the dosage and to begin with a low amount when consuming edibles, as the effects of ingested cannabis can be more potent and last longer than smoking or vaping. Things like how long it takes for the effects to appear after consumption are also important to consider.

How To Lose Weight

Following the "calories in, calories out" principle can help you lose weight. You must consume fewer calories than you burn through daily metabolic processes and physical activity. You can use this method to lose weight by following the steps below,

The first step is to determine your daily caloric requirements. Decide on your daily caloric requirements. You can use an online calculator based on age, gender, height, weight, and activity. Doing this will allow you to determine how many calories you need daily to maintain your current weight. The next step is to establish a calorie deficit target. To lose weight, you should maintain a caloric deficit by consuming fewer calories than you burn.

Following that, you should establish a calorie deficit target. It would help if you maintained a caloric deficit by consuming fewer calories than you burn to lose weight. A safe and sustainable weight loss goal is to create a 500-calorie deficit per day.

After determining your calorie deficit goal, you should keep track of your calorie intake. Track your daily calorie intake with a food diary or an app. To get an accurate calorie count, be honest with yourself and accurately measure your food portions. This can assist you in identifying areas where you may be consuming more calories than necessary and making necessary adjustments.

Increasing your physical activity is another critical step. This can assist you in burning more calories and creating a more significant calorie deficit. Participating in any exercise you enjoy is an excellent way to accomplish this. Make sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes almost every day of the week.

Finally, keep track of your progress. Weigh yourself regularly and keep track of your progress. If you aren't getting the desired results, try decreasing your calorie intake or physical activity to create a larger calorie deficit. Rather than relying on crash diets or extreme exercises to lose weight, make small long-term lifestyle changes instead. This helps you stay on the right path and succeed. You can slim down by following the principle of "calories in, calories out" and making small, healthy changes to your daily routine.

What We Know 

 The link between cannabis and slimming down is complicated and not properly understood. Cannabis has been linked to increased appetite and metabolism while having users that tend to be in better health. CBD's long-term effects on metabolic processes, as well as the efficacy of using cannabis to reduce appetite, still require more research. As with any supplement or treatment, cannabis use requires medical advice. A healthy diet and regular exercise are two of the most important things you can do for your health. For more information on medical marijuana, visit our FAQ page today.