People who regularly smoke marijuana tend to eat frozen pizza role and other snacks when they are high. And it is completely normal to think that the consumption of empty calories could cause weight gain; however, according to a new study, that is not the case.
Weed smokers are less likely to be obese or overweight when compared with non-smokers, according to a new study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
The study included 33,000 participants. Many gained weight during the three-year study but those who smoked marijuana added the fewest pounds. The findings were determined by comparing the participants’ Body Mass Index (BMI) in the National Epidemiologic Survey of Alcohol and Related Conditions study.
Study co-author Dr. Omayma Alshaarawy said, “We found that users, even those who just started, were more likely to be at a normal, healthier weight and stay at that weight. Only 15 percent of persistent users were considered obese compared to 20 percent of non-users.”
However, the researchers could not pinpoint why marijuana use is associated with lower BMI. They theorized that cannabis might lead to physical changes in your cells, which can affect weight gain. Another possibility is that marijuana smokers watch what they eat due to of fear of weight gain.
Of course, the study does not entail that smoking weed will make you thinner and the researchers cautioned against using marijuana as a weight loss supplement.
Dr. Alshaarawy said, “There’s 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.” The best way to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight is the same old conventional way: eat plenty of organic fruits and vegetables, exercise, and limit alcohol.
