Canna~Fangled Abstracts

Theoretical Explanation for Reduced Body Mass Index and Obesity Rates in Cannabis Users.

By December 12, 2018No Comments
2018 Dec 21;3(1):259-271. doi: 10.1089/can.2018.0045. eCollection 2018.

Abstract

Introduction: Obesity is treatment-resistant, and is linked with a number of serious, chronic diseases. Adult obesity rates in the United States have tripled since the early 1960s. Recent reviews show that an increased ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids contributes to obesity rates by increasing levels of the endocannabinoid signals AEA and 2-AG, overstimulating CB1R and leading to increased caloric intake, reduced metabolic rates, and weight gain. Cannabis, or THC, also stimulates CB1R and increases caloric intake during acute exposures.
Goals: To establish the relationship between Cannabis use and body mass index, and to provide a theoretical explanation for this relationship.
Results: The present meta-analysis reveals significantly reduced body mass index and rates of obesity in Cannabis users, in conjunction with increased caloric intake.
Theoretical explanation: We provide for the first time 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, thus reversing the impact on body mass index of elevated dietary omega-6/omega-3 ratios.

KEYWORDS:

Cannabis; body mass index; obesity; omega-6 fatty acid; theory

PMID: 30671538
PMCID: PMC6340377
DOI: 10.1089/can.2018.0045

Conflict of interest statement

No competing financial interests exist.

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