Surprising Ways Weed Helps With Weight Loss

When most people think of weed, weight loss is likely not the first thing that comes to mind. After all, THC can give you the serious munchies, and there’s no shortage of delicious edibles available. Plus you can make a lot of them at home yourself while smoking a bowl. Very dangerous! But research shows that cannabis can actually help quite a bit with shedding those extra pounds.

How Cannabis Can Help With Weight Loss

When it comes to losing weight and keeping it off, it’s important to consider insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps your body absorb glucose (sugar). If your body produces too much insulin, you might absorb too much glucose. This can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and even prevent you from losing more weight.

Even with a healthy diet and exercise, people who produce way too much insulin may have a lot of trouble getting their weight down and keeping it off. Yikes. Luckily, cannabis is here to save the day. In 2013, researchers published a study in the American Journal of Medicine on the ways in which cannabis regulates our body’s natural glucose absorption.

They found significant associations between cannabis use and smaller waist circumferences. They concluded that this is likely because cannabis keeps our metabolism running smoothly and our insulin levels healthy. Other research shows that THC can fight against type 2 diabetes and lower cholesterol levels, and that cannabis consumers are less likely to develop obesity.

Some experts suspect that because weed lovers get their own natural “high” from THC, they don’t crave the addictive “high” that comes from high-sugar and high-carb foods. Stress eating is another common cause of overeating, but with weed, you are less likely to binge. It does depend on which strains you’re smoking.

If you are consuming edibles or oils with a higher level of CBD and a lower level of THC, you likely won’t get the munchies or get high. But, you’ll still get all of the great benefits cannabis provides. And even if you love THC and the high it gives you, you can always chew gum or suck peppermints to keep yourself from indulging in cravings.

Weed as a Natural Remedy

Weed activates the body’s natural chemical receptors called endocannabinoids. These receptors keep our sleep cycles smooth and our appetites running smoothly. They also alleviate pain and elevate mood. Just another great reason to smoke weed regularly! Be sure to supplement your weed weight loss regimen with plenty of cardio exercise and strength training. It’ll make the weed all the more effective, and keep you feeling good.

Smoking weed before you go for a run can give you a huge mood boost. It can also help you burn more calories and make the most out of your workout. It might sound counterintuitive, but give it a try!

The Best Strains for Weight Loss

If you’re on a weight loss journey, you’ll want to make sure you’re smoking, eating, or vaping the perfect strain of cannabis. Everyone’s body responds differently, but there are a few strains to look for. If you have a big appetite and lots of cravings, try a strain high in THCV. This cannabinoid suppresses your appetite, and won’t give you the munchies. Some THCV strains to try include Durban Poison, Cherry Pie (ironic), and Doug’s Varin. These strains will also give you an energy kick and leave you clear-headed, not couch-locked.

If you aren’t looking to suppress your appetite, you can also try high-CBD strains like Canna-Tsu, MediHaze, and Remedy. They’ll likely relax your mind and body instead of giving you the urge to overeat.

Remember that no matter, there is no magic weight loss solution. A nutritious diet and a regular exercise regimen are essential to any healthy lifestyle, and weed alone won’t necessarily make you lose weight. It takes a long time to shed pounds, and you can’t expect to see results overnight. But with persistence, a positive attitude, and the help of cannabis, you may just meet your goals and feel great as you go!