New Study Shows Cannabis Users Are 32% Less Likely To Be Obese

In an era of growing numbers of overweight people, any new clue that could help fight obesity is worth its weight in gold. But what if cannabis , often associated with the “gastrophase” and unhealthy eating, turned out to be a mysterious ally in maintaining a slim figure?

Sounds unbelievable? And yet, new research provides evidence that regular cannabis use may be associated with a lower risk of obesity. Let’s take a closer look at this surprising discovery.

Cananbis as a cure for obesity?

Ray Merrill, a professor at Brigham Young University, decided to take a closer look at data collected by the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) – a powerful tool that has been monitoring the health of Americans for years. In his analysis, Merrill tracked data from over 735,000 American adults from 2016 to 2022. The results of this work are surprising, to say the least: people who regularly use cannabis are less likely to be overweight.

Imagine this: Daily cannabis users were 32 percent less likely to be obese than those who had never tried it. What’s more, those who had used cannabis in the past month were 31 percent less likely to be obese than those who didn’t. You might think this is just another weird statistical coincidence. But is it?

Cananbis and BMI: What’s the Connection?

Merrill’s research suggests more than just superficial correlations. There’s a clear trend in the data: the more often someone uses cannabis, the lower their body mass index (BMI).

This isn’t a one-off finding—similar associations have been observed across demographic groups, regardless of gender, age, employment status, smoking history, or health. It’s worth noting, though, that Merrill himself doesn’t offer a simple explanation for the phenomenon. Is it possible that cannabis affects our metabolism in ways we don’t yet understand?

What does cannabis have to do with physical activity?

Using cannabis can increase motivation to train and exercise

One of the most intriguing aspects of cannabis is its impact on our physical activity. For years, there has been a stereotype of the “lazy smoker” who, after using cannabis, spends hours in front of the TV with a bag of chips. However, research shows a completely different picture of cannabis users. People who regularly reach for cannabis are often more physically active . How is this possible?

In 2021, a study was published that found that frequent cannabis use is associated with increased physical activity. What’s more, cannabis users may experience increased enjoyment of running — the so-called “runner’s high” — and feel less pain during exercise. As if that weren’t enough, cannabis can also improve post-workout well-being and speed recovery .

Cannabis and Weight Management: What Else Do We Know?

While Merrill doesn’t delve into the mechanisms behind these phenomena, other studies suggest that cannabis may affect appetite and weight. It’s been known to help relieve nausea, which could be helpful for those struggling with appetite disorders. However, in the context of BMI, it could mean something else entirely. Perhaps cannabis helps with better weight management by regulating appetite, leading to a healthier lifestyle.

It’s important to remember, however, that despite these promising results, cannabis is not a miracle cure for obesity. Every health intervention has its risks and benefits, and cannabis is no exception. It’s important to consult with your doctor before deciding to use it, especially when it comes to its effects on health and BMI.

Is cannabis the future of fighting obesity?

As legalization expands across the U.S., we can expect to see more and more people turning to the herb. This could have unexpected implications for public health, especially in the context of obesity. However, more research is needed to better understand its effects on the body before we declare cannabis the new weight-loss super-drug.

One thing is for sure: cannabis, once demonized as a drug that leads to “munchies” and unhealthy lifestyles, is starting to change its face. Modern research shows that it can have a positive impact on our health in ways that were not previously anticipated. And this is just the beginning of this green revolution. Are we witnessing the birth of a new approach to combating obesity? Time will tell, but one thing is for sure – it is worth watching where this research takes us.

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(Featured image by AllGo – An App For Plus Size People via Unsplash)

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First published in Fakty Konopne. A third-party contributor translated and adapted the article from the original. In case of discrepancy, the original will prevail.

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