Obesity is a complex disease that poses serious health risks, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer that are among the leading causes of preventable, premature death. With obesity affecting 42.4% of Americans from 2017-2018, it is vital to find effective treatments for this condition. Consuming less food may seem like an easy solution, but it is not so effortless given many underlying and uncontrollable factors such as genetic, metabolic, hormonal, and behavioral issues. Medical cannabis has emerged as one potential treatment option for obesity.
While marijuana is often associated with increased appetite, a 2019 published study found that Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), a non-psychoactive derivative of the plant, could ease obesity without adverse events. The study pointed out that THCV has potential for the treatment of obesity and impaired glucose tolerance. In contrast to rimonabant, which was removed from the market due to adverse effects, THCV provides a promising alternative for treating obesity.
The Mayo Clinic identifies inherited genes as the first noted risk factor for obesity, with lifestyle choices coming in second. An unhealthy diet, liquid calories, and inactivity are the next significant causes of obesity. Certain diseases and medications can also cause obesity, making it even more difficult to address the condition. Prevention and treatment of this condition first lie in making healthy lifestyle choices such as regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet to maintain good BMI.
A 2018 study published by The International Journal of Obesity revealed a paradox in which cannabis users have significantly reduced body mass index and rates of obesity while consuming increased caloric intake. The study provides a causative explanation for this paradox in which rapid and long-lasting downregulation of CB1R following acute cannabis consumption reduces energy storage and increases metabolic rates.
Medical cannabis has been found to ease not only obesity but also two underlying conditions that cause high BMI: diabetes and cancer. While overweight people consuming cannabis may increase their appetite, further research is necessary to understand this anomaly better.
In conclusion, medical cannabis shows potential as an effective treatment for addressing not only obesity but also underlying conditions that cause high BMI. As with any medical treatment program or drug therapy regimen designed to help individuals struggling with weight control issues or other health problems that contribute to poor overall health status, it is essential to consult with medical professionals skilled in applying these treatments appropriately while carefully monitoring their progress over time. With proper guidance from experts in the field of medicine or through online information resources available today on this topic, you can better understand how medical cannabis can help manage your weight-related problems effectively while improving your overall health status over time.
