Michigan State University Studies Connection of Cannabis Use and Weight

According to a recent study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, there may be a connection between cannabis use and weight.

The study’s lead author, Omayma Alshaarawy, who is also a professor of family medicine, stated in the study that over a three-year period, all participants showed a weight increase, but interestingly, those who used cannabis had less of an increase compared to those that never used.” He continued, “Our study builds on mounting evidence that this opposite effect occurs.”

Further,

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

The study analyzed data gathered from 33,000 participants from age 18 and older. The study determined that the difference between marijuana users and those who do not use is modest. The study relied upon self-reports by participants.

Alshaarway stated,

“It could be something that’s more behavioural like someone becoming more conscious of their food intake as they worry about an increase in appetite after cannabis use and gaining weight. 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.”

He continued,

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

As House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee Subcommittee Chairwoman Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.) shared in a news article by The Hill, “States’ laws and federal policy are a thousand miles apart. As more states allow cannabis, the federal government still strictly controls and prohibits it, even restricting legitimate medical research.”

All information is for general informational and educational purposes only. Nothing should be interpreted as legal or wellness advice.