Marijuana Users are Less Likely to be Overweight, Obese: Study

People who smoke marijuana or cannabis weigh less compared to non-smokers, reveals a new study.

People who smoke marijuana or cannabis weigh less compared to non-smokers, reports a new study. The findings of the study are published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

New evidence from Michigan State University //suggests that those who smoke cannabis, or marijuana, weigh less compared to adults who don't.

Marijuana - Types, Uses & Adverse effects
Marijuana (cannabis) is a drug obtained from the hemp plant and often abused for its psychoactive effects, though it has medicinal uses as well.

‘People who smoke marijuana or cannabis are less likely to be overweight or obese compared to non-smokers.’
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The findings are contrary to the belief that marijuana users who have a serious case of the munchies will ultimately gain more weight.

"Over a three-year period, all participants showed a weight increase, but interestingly, those who used marijuana had less of an increase compared to those that never used," said Omayma Alshaarawy, lead author and an assistant professor of family medicine. "Our study builds on mounting evidence that this opposite effect occurs."

Results also suggest that new and persistent users are less likely to be overweight or obese, overall.

Cannabis
Cannabis has a long history of medicinal, recreational, and industrial use and comes from a bushy plant with thick sticky flowers called Cannabis Sativa

"We found that users, even those who just started, were more likely to be at a normal, healthier weight and stay at that weight," she said. "Only 15 percent of persistent users were considered obese compared to 20 percent of non-users."

The research team used data from the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions and looked at the Body Mass Index, or BMI, of 33,000 participants, ages 18 and older, then compared the numbers.

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So, what is it about marijuana that seems to affect weight? Alshaarawy indicated it's still relatively unknown, but it could be several factors.

"It could be something that's more behavioral like someone becoming more conscious of their food intake as they worry about the munchies after cannabis use and gaining weight," she said. "Or it could be the cannabis use itself, which can modify how certain cells, or receptors, respond in the body and can ultimately affect weight gain. More research needs to be done."

Alshaarawy cautions, though, that marijuana should not be considered a diet aid.

"There's too many health concerns around cannabis that far outweigh the potential positive, yet modest, effects it has on weight gain," she said. "People shouldn't consider it as a way to maintain or even lose weight."

Source-Eurekalert