Is the presence of weed and its metabolism-altering qualities causing you to lose weight? Medical experts have looked into this question many times over the years. A recent study published in Addiction Magazine sought to answer the question "Does marijuana lead to weight loss?". The study, led byshots at the University of Connecticut and published in Addiction, sought to examine the relationship between weed use and fatty liver disease, or liver disease that results from long-term cannabis consumption.
The researchers sampled four groups of cannabis consumers: those who used it infrequently; occasional users; daily or monthly users; and people who used it heavily or frequently. They found that frequent and heavy cannabis consumers had a significantly greater risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver, which is a leading cause of death among drinkers. They further found that those who had a smaller waist at the study's conclusion were also at greater risk for developing cirrhosis-like diseases like fatty liver disease. Their findings suggest that regular and heavy cannabis users may be putting themselves at higher risks of developing cancer of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, colon, and lung.
This study comes at a time when many medical professionals are raising alarms about the harmful health effects of smoking cannabis. Although marijuana is not known to have an appetite suppressant effect on the body, habitual smokers can often appear as though they are eating less than they actually are due to the fact that they are puffing away non-stop. Additionally, regular and long-term cannabis use can lead to decreased endorphin levels, a chemical in the brain that acts as an analgesic and mood enhancer.
The study published in Addiction seems to indicate that smoking weed may be setting young people up for a bigger heart and liver problem down the road. The study also points out that there appears to be a difference in the levels of ghrelin and leptin that is produced by chronic cannabis users and non-weed consumers. Those who smoke the most tend to have the highest levels of ghrelin and the lowest levels of leptin. These levels appear to be indicative of a slow but steadily increasing likelihood of developing fatty liver disease, as well as the potential for obesity-related disease as an advanced stage.
The study published in Addiction also points to the fact that there are differences in the metabolic rates of those who smoke weed versus those who don't. People who smoke frequently are clearly eating themselves sick; however, those who only occasionally smoke are still contributing to their weight problems by depleting body fat stores. This study published in Addiction suggests that if you want to know the truth about whether or not smoking cannabis will lead to a smaller waistline, all you have to do is start. All of the lifestyle changes that are suggested in the report above can be started right now and continued for the duration of your life as a marijuana user. This means no quitting time required, and no need to starve yourself or deprive yourself of essential nutrients.
The study also points out the potential dangers of endocannabinoid system dysfunctions that can arise from long-term cannabis use. Many current users of cannabis report experiencing sleep issues, depression and anxiety, as well as trouble with appetite and memory retention. This study published in Addiction suggests that these dysfunctions are directly linked to the increase in dopamine levels that occur during periods of active cannabis use. This increase in dopamine could lead to a number of appetite control difficulties, including weight loss, as well as irritability and depression, all of which are commonly seen in people who consume large amounts of cannabis on a regular basis.
As shocking as it may seem, the second study published in Addiction suggests that the use of weed may also lead to reduced sperm count and sperm quality. While the study was of small sample size, it nevertheless concludes that the excessive use of weed may cause sperm damage similar to that experienced by cigarette smokers. If you're wondering does weed make you lose weight, the answer is definitely yes.
While smoking marijuana has the ability to stave off hunger pangs and help control appetite, the main effect is the increased dopamine levels in your body. When you feel a strong craving coming on, your brain signals your body to "go shopping" for a dopamine fix. With increased dopamine levels comes a surge in metabolism which leads to quick weight loss. However, if you stop using weed, your body will no longer have a high need for the neurotransmitter. Dopamine, like endorphins, are only produced in very specific circumstances. If you stop consuming cannabis, you will no longer be able to feel the surge of dopamine that normally pushes you to eat unhealthy food.
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