Health News
By Autumn Kushner
Weed and Weight Loss?
Across the board, one of the biggest concerns for people when deciding what they think of marijuana use is the “munchies.” However, scientists have begun to harness the power of the munchies mentality and have found that in larger quantities, the cannabinoids act as an appetite inhibitor, according to High Times Magazine and the Harm Reduction Journal. These effects provide another option among the vast array of others that may be right for you in your weight loss endeavors. And whether or not marijuana use is good or bad in your personal beliefs, it is good to know every option that may be the key to jumpstarting your weight loss efforts. Aside from the neurological effects, many of the side effects can be used productively in weight loss efforts.
How it Works: The primary receptor in the brain that triggers the “call of the munch” is the CB1 neuron. CB1 neurons are primarily located in reach of the hypothalamus. When a Leptin (a chemical for weight regulation) shortage in the brain occurs, endocannabinoids, (created by the body) and external cannabinoids (THC) dock with the CB1 receptors to activate appetite. When adequate Leptin levels exist in the body, they slow up the neural docking process which stifles appetite. Leptin is released through a little understood process by the body when an appropriately high amount of cannabinoids or endocannabinoids is reached, binding the CB1 receptors and decreasing the neural appetite stimulant.
Sleep- In people with problems with obesity and depression issues, insomnia is often induced, which in turn releases Cortisol, triggering even more weight gain and depression. Cannabinoids can be used as powerful sleep aids so that enough sleep to keep Cortisol levels at bay can be reached. The sleep will also in turn help with the rest and motivation needed to exercise.
Depression – Cannabis use has been well known to help release serotonin into the brain, creating the powerful euphoric state that the drug is most commonly used and known for. When weight is an issue, especially in a college town, depression can hit extremely hard. The temporary euphoria may be simply enough to get you out of bed and see the people who care about you.
Whatever your personal feelings may be, the pharmaceutical companies are starting to take notice of the new development of cannabinoids. Bayer has even sponsored 25 million dollars into research and development of these new drugs, according to High Times and Harm Reduction Journal. Even if it just gets you to eat so much celery you pop, there are ways to work with your body and your receptors to increase your chances of success so that hopefully you will one day be able to sleep, smile, and be fit independent of any type of substance you put into your body.