Marijuana users are less likely to gain weight despite snack foods: study | health



[ad_1]

Those who smoke cannabis or marijuana weigh less than adults who do not use cannabis, according to recent findings.

The results run counter to the view that marijuana users with severe cases of snacking will eventually gain more weight.

"Over a period of three years, all participants have seen their weight increase, but it is interesting to note that those who used marijuana had a lower weight gain than those who never used marijuana. consumed. Our study relies on more and more evidence that this opposite effect is occurring, "said Omayma Alshaarawy, lead author of the study published in the International Journal of Epidemiology.

The findings also suggest that new and persistent users are less likely to be overweight or obese overall.

"We found that users, even those who had just started, were more likely to have a normal, healthier weight and stay with that weight. Only 15% of persistent users were considered obese, compared to 20% of non-users, "she explained.

As part of the study, researchers used data from the national epidemiological survey on alcohol and related conditions and examined the body mass index, or BMI, of 33,000 participants aged 18 and over. more, then compared the numbers.

While the actual weight difference between users and non-users was modest, about 2 pounds for a 5-foot-7 participant weighing about 200 pounds at the start of the study, the variance was predominant across the entire size of the study. the sample.

"An average difference of 2 pounds does not seem like much, but we found it in more than 30,000 people with all types of behaviors and always got that result," Alshaarawy said.

So, how does marijuana seem to affect weight? Alshaarawy said that this is still relatively unknown, but this could be due to several factors.

"It may be something more behavioral, as if a person was becoming more aware of his dietary intake while worrying about cravings after cannabis use and weight gain. Or it could be the use of cannabis itself, which can change how certain cells, or receptors, react in the body and ultimately affect weight gain. We need to do more research, "she said.

Alshaarawy warns, however, that marijuana should not be considered a help to the plan.

According to researchers, cannabis-related health problems far outweigh its positive, albeit modest, effects on weight gain. They suggest that people should not consider it as a way to maintain or even lose weight.

Follow more stories on Facebook and Twitter

First publication:
Apr 20, 2019 15:52 PM IST

[ad_2]

Source link