Cannabis for Losing Weight – What’s the Chemistry?

Published by Kerri Louise Watt at August 9, 2018

Obesity in the United States is one of the most significant health issues that result in various diseases. The obesity rate is the highest in the world. An obese person in America has an average of $1,429 more in medical expenses annually. That is approximately $147 billion spent in added medical costs per year within the country. This number is expected to increase by roughly $1.24 billion each year until the year 2030.

People suffering from obesity want to lose weight for many reasons. People need a range of methods, beyond dieting and exercise. If you have tried to lose weight quickly with a range of weight loss plans to no avail, you need new methods. If healthy eating has not significantly slowed your weight gain, you need new methods.

What if marijuana could help you lose weight? One of the memorable characteristics of cannabis is an increased desire to eat, commonly referred to as the munchies. Science shows, however, that there’s a compound found in marijuana that helps us to lose weight.

Obesity and Health

When you are obese, you are at risk of developing potentially life-threatening illnesses. Excess weight makes the risk of certain cancers increase. Type 2 diabetes shows a direct connection with being overweight. When you are overweight, you are also prone to heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, and gallstones. In an effort to remove or prevent these conditions many people feel motivated to lose weight.

5 Common Ways to Lose Weight

Add more protein to your dail diet – Protein is a well-known required nutrient. It will reduce your appetite.
Eat whole, single-Ingredient foods – You’ll eliminate added sugar, fat, and processed food.
Avoid Processed Foods – Processed food is prepared by physical or chemical means.
Avoid Liquid Calories – Liquid calories is the term given to sugary beverages like fruit juices and soda drinks.

Now that you are familiar with the fundamental lifestyle changes necessary to lose weight, let’s focus on marijuana. How can cannabis, a plant that is well-known to increase your appetite and desire to eat, can promote weight loss. Let’s take a look at what the science has to say.

Cannabis for Losing Weight

We often associate cannabis, commonly known as marijuana, with an increase in hunger. Did you also know that research shows a regular cannabis user may find it easier to lose weight? Cannabis users are getting lower levels of insulin refusal, according to a report from The American Journal of Medicine in 2013.

It is true marijuana has a tendency to induce cravings for unhealthy foods. Yet, those who smoke pot on a regular basis have lower BMIs consistently and are less likely to develop metabolic disorders such as diabetes. Obesity and diabetes make for a severe combination which creates insulin resistance in the body. Insulin resistance then causes more fat absorption.

Scientists in the field of obesity and diabetes suggest that a compound tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) may also promote weight loss. They also believe it could balance blood sugar, reduce inflammation of the pancreas, and improve insulin sensitivity.

One of the primary reasons for THCV’s success in these criteria is that it does a great job subduing CB1 receptors. A study shows that around 3 mg of cannabis oil per kilogram of body weight is the average dose for weight loss goals.

THC is not the only cannabis compound that is expected to encourage weight loss. Research has shown that cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid that does not cause a “high,” can block some of THC’s effect on appetite. CBD is not psychoactive. CBD is able to aid weight loss through:

CBD Enhanced Fat Breakdown: In simple words, scientists determined that CBD oil can play an essential role in removing the inflexible fat cells.
CBD In Blood Sugar Management: Multiple studies were documented, in the Scientific Journal of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, showing that CBD oil consumption increases the mitochondrial activity which helps burn calories. The fat burning process helps in decreasing weight as well as improves the glucose tolerance of the body.
CBD in Flushing out Toxins- scientists found out that CBD oil helps to release specific toxin from the body which is beneficial for the optimal health of organs. It helps in removing harmful toxins from the body which aid in fat burning and destroy the storage of high content lipids in the system.

According to research, Over 13,000 adults, also found that marijuana users had smaller waist circumferences and lower BMI scores than non-users. It depends on the kind of strain you choose. Some can better assist with weight loss. Here are the five strains that will help you lose weight.

Harlequin: A high-CBD strain that can boast a 5:2 ratio of CBD to THC. If you want to lose weight with a high-CBD strain, this is the right one.
Cannatonic- Another noteworthy high-CBD strain. This flower is a plucky hybrid with a citrus-pine aroma. This strain often features about 15 percent CBD but tends to produce 6 percent THC or less.
One to One- This strain features a one-to-one ratio of THC to CBD. Consumers of cannabis will likely not feel any psychoactive effect from this bud.
Black Beauty- An unusual strain that features about 7 percent THC and 4 percent THCV. THCV is thought to provide a more active cannabis experience.
Doug’s Varin- A significantly stronger strain than Black Beauty. In laboratory tests, this strain has produced 19 percent THC and 15 percent THCV.

Does this mean cannabis is the secret to reaching your goal weight? Studies have shown how cannabis helps reduce weight, but it may not be the best way for everyone to do it. Weight loss is seen only among long-term, persistent smokers but long-term smoking affects your health dangerously. Instead of smoking, we encourage looking into edibles, oils, vaping, or tinctures.

Even with cannabis, to lose weight, you must exercise, get plenty of rest, eat a balanced diet, and remove unnecessary stress. You should still make effort to exercise for 20 minutes to 30 minutes every day at minimum, lessen junk food and increase healthy food.

If interested in using cannabis or CBD isolate to lose weight, talk to your doctor. A medical professional will best be able to help you. Cannabis requires an individualized dosage. Cannabis is also not legal in all 50 states or all countries. Be sure to check local laws to not partake in breaking the law.

About
Latest Posts

Kerri Louise Watt

Kickboxer, Fitness Instructor & Author at kerrilouisewatt.com

With 20 years of martial arts under her belt, Kerri Louise Watt is a fully experienced health and fitness advisor. Kerri reports about the healthy lifestyle revolving around CBD and its future fitness potentials.