Cannabis has always had a bit of a bad reputation. The stereotype of the unhealthy, snacking stoner is one that has been around for years. But what if there was more to it than that? What if cannabis could actually help you lose weight?
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A new perspective
It may sound like a crazy idea, but there is some scientific evidence to back it up. A 2019 study from the University of Michigan found that people who used cannabis had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who didn’t use it. The study observed 33,000 individuals’ BMIs over 3 years and found that:
“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.”
Furthermore, the researchers reported that “only 15% of persistent users were considered obese compared to 20% of non-users.” That means that those who used cannabis were significantly less likely to be obese.
How can THC contribute to weight loss?
So how does cannabis help with weight loss? Although science is still undecided, there are a few different possible ways. THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, can be used as a substitute for drinking. A THC high can be more than enough to keep you occupied for an afternoon or evening that you might otherwise spend drinking. Alcohol is loaded with empty calories, so substituting it with THC can save you a lot of calories in the long run.
What about CBD?
CBD, another component of cannabis, is often used for its anti-inflammatory properties. Body aches and pains are all too common these days , and they can really put a damper on your motivation to be active. CBD can help reduce inflammation and make it easier for you to get up and move around, which is essential for weight loss. More than just exercise, movement is key to keeping your metabolism going and burning calories.
Sleep and weight loss
Cannabis can also improve sleep, which is critical for weight loss. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol signals your body to store fat, especially around your midsection. So getting a good night’s sleep is essential for keeping your cortisol levels down and losing weight. Indica cannabis strains are known for their relaxation properties and can be helpful in promoting sleep. Many CBD products are also combined with other organic sleep aids like chamomile or lavender to help you drift off. You can find affordable CBD drops online and even in many stores.
Tackling the snack
Finally, cannabis can help regulate appetite. THC is known to increase appetite, but CBD has the opposite effect. CBD can help reduce cravings and make it easier to stick to a healthy diet. Both compounds work on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating many bodily rhythms such as appetite, sleep, and mood. This relationship is not fully understood yet, but it’s clear that cannabis can have an impact on appetite.
A rounded approach
Although cannabis has been shown to have some weight-loss benefits on its own, using it in conjunction with other healthy practices can be even more effective. Here are a few other tips for losing weight:
– Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential for weight loss. Drinking water can help boost your metabolism, cleanse your body of toxins, and reduce cravings.
– Eat more fiber: Fiber is an important part of any weight-loss diet. It helps you feel full and can help reduce cravings.
– Get enough protein: Protein is essential for building muscle and reducing body fat. It also helps you feel full and can reduce cravings.
– Avoid sugary drinks: Sugary drinks are loaded with empty calories and can sabotage your weight-loss efforts.
The bottom line
If you’re looking to lose weight, cannabis may be able to help. THC and CBD can both be used to substitute drinking, encourage mobility, improve sleep, and regulate appetite.
If you’re interested in trying cannabis for weight loss, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, start with a low dose and see how you react. Everyone’s endocannabinoid system is different, so what works for one person may not work for another. Second, be sure to consider the product’s CBD to THC ratio. CBD will help reduce cravings and promote weight loss, while THC will give you the psychoactive high that can substitute for drinking. And finally, don’t forget to eat healthy and exercise! Cannabis can be a great tool for weight loss, but it’s not a magic pill. For the best results, use it as part of a healthy lifestyle.