People who smoke or use marijuana weigh less than non-users, according to researchers from Michigan State University, despite dealing with ‘the munchies’
Published in the International Journal of Epidemiology, the findings monitored 30, 000 users and non-users over a three year period, revealing that new as well as persistent users of Marijuana are less likely to be overweight or obese, overall.
If you often get ‘the munchies’ it might not be affecting your weight at all, as research from Michigan State University has found marijuana users weigh less than non-users.
Although all participants involved gained weight over the period, Marijuana users gained less than those who never used, although this was a modest difference.
When asked the reasons behind this disparity, Assistant Professor of Family Medicine, Omayma Alshaarawy said:
“It could be something that’s more behavioural like someone becoming more conscious of their food intake as they worry about the munchies 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.”
Despite these findings, Alshaarawy said this should not be used as a ‘diet aid’ because:
“There are 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.”
Via Michigan State University.
