There’s a lot of evidence to support the benefits of marijuana for weight loss and weight control. CannaMD has reported on this subject at length (see here if you missed it!) and our doctors remain committed to keeping patients informed on developing research.
One recent study sheds new light on the mechanisms by which a lesser-known marijuana cannabinoid, called THCA-A, helps regulate metabolism and weight. But before getting into the details, it’s worth reviewing some of the more compelling things we already know about marijuana and weight management…
Marijuana & Weight Loss Basics
A few highlights:
* As a group, marijuana users are less likely to be obese than non-users.
* Marijuana users actually consume more calories per day than non-users without a corresponding increase in body mass index or heightened lipid and glucose levels.
* Marijuana users also tend to have smaller waists than non-users.
* Marijuana may boost metabolism based on its ability to interact with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in the storage and release of calories.
* Marijuana may reverse the effects of the deleterious omega-6/omega-3 fatty acid imbalances caused by our less-than-perfect modern diets. Restoring the balance of these fatty acids will reduce the incidence of obesity, mitigate unfavorable lipid profiles, decrease insulin resistance, reduce inflammation in the liver and kidneys, and more.
* Marijuana users exhibit lower levels of LDL cholesterol (that’s the bad kind) and lower levels of triglycerides than non-users.
* Marijuana users have a lower risk of developing diabetes. As compared to non-users, they showed improved carbohydrate metabolism and lower fasting insulin levels. (Lower fasting insulin levels are associated with a decreased risk of diabetes.)
Beyond THC
In recent years, much of the study of marijuana for weight loss has focused on the effects of THC, which has a strong binding affinity with the body’s endocannabinoid system. But new research is showing that THC isn’t the only cannabinoid that may have a positive effect on weight loss and management. A Spanish research group has shown that tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A, or THCA-A, can block weight gain in laboratory mice.
As reported in the January 2020 issue of Biochemical Pharmacology, the researchers divided the mice into two groups, one of which was fed a healthy diet designed to maintain optimum body weight, the other which was fed a high-fat diet for a period of twelve weeks, resulting in a 300% weight gain as compared to their lean counterparts. As you might expect, this gorging resulted in fatty livers, increased insulin levels, and a range of of metabolic dysfunctions that include elevated blood pressure, increased body fat, high cholesterol, and elevated triglyceride levels.
At this point in the study, the obese rats were administered a daily dosage of THCA-A. The study authors reported:
Treatment with delta-9-THCA-A for 3-weeks fully normalized leptin, GLP-1 and glucagon levels, and evoked a significant increase in adiponectin concentration.
Breaking down this statement:
- Leptin is a hormone that regulates energy balance and the hunger response. Higher levels signal that you have ample stored fat, while low levels encourage appetite and the retention of more fat.
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) is an amino acid peptide hormone that may contribute to obesity when its levels decrease.
- Glucagon is a hormone that is involved in controlling blood sugar levels.
- Adiponectin is a peptide that plays an important role in modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism and can contribute to obesity-related diseases when its levels are low.
So, put simply, the addition of THCA-A to the high-fat diet not only blocked weight gain, it also improved glucose tolerance and insulin levels, decreased the risk of obesity-related disorders, and increased the rats’ percentage of brown fat (which is actually a good thing!).
THCA-A, Brown Fat, and Inflammation
The human body contains three types of fat:
- White fat (which stores energy),
- Brown fat (which generates heat and burns calories), and
- Beige fat (which has the ability to convert white fat to generate energy and could play a role in combatting obesity).
Previous studies have shown that cannabis can play a role in increasing the conversion of white fat to brown fat, resulting in an increase in thermogenesis — what we’d call burning calories. Experiments that boosted the level of brown fat in mice resulted in an increase in the rate at which they burned energy, reduced body fat, and provided protection from diet-induced obesity.
Research also indicates that cannabis can reduce the pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with obesity. This inflammation can lead to a number of deleterious health conditions including organ damage, cancer, and dementia.
In support of the potential anti-inflammatory properties of THCA-A, the authors of the study state:
There is growing evidence of a link between obesity and inflammation, and Δ9-THCA-A showed a very potent anti-inflammatory profile in HFD [high-fat diet] mice.
As new research on THCA-A and other lesser-known cannabinoids that may play a role in weight loss emerges, CannaMD will continue to keep you informed!
Calculate Your BMI
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines overweight and obese as two separate health conditions. Each condition is measured by body mass index (BMI).
CannaMD physicians are proud to support the health journeys of patients struggling with both conditions. To find out if your BMI is considered overweight or obese, please use the CDC-approved calculator below:
If your BMI falls into either category, you may be eligible for medical marijuana treatment.