THC reduces fat mass and weight gain, study finds

Written By Emily Gray Brosious 

 

Photo Credit: jodigreen via Compfight cc

THC may alter gut bacteria in a way that prevents weight gain.

A recent study published online in the journal PLOS ONE  determines that chronic THC consumption reduces weight gain and prevents “high fat diet-induced increases in body weight.”

Although cannabis consumption induces short-term hyperphagia (aka “the munchies”), obesity rates are lower in frequent cannabis users than in non-users.

Researchers wanted to know why, so they set about testing the effects of THC on adult male mice.
THC was administered to a group of lean mice and a group of diet-induced obese (DIO) mice, and researchers measured body weight, fat mass, energy intake, locomotor activity, whole gut transit and gut microbiota over the four-week study.

Results showed that THC reduced weight gain, fat mass gain and energy intake in DIO mice, but not in lean mice.

Researchers found that chronic THC consumption prevented DIO-induced changes in gut bacteria. They believe this may be a key reason THC prevents weight gain and fat mass gain in DIO mice.

“Gut microbiota affects host metabolism and altered microbial profiles are observed in obese states. Gut microbiota modifies adipogenesis through actions on the endocannabinoid system,” study authors wrote.

These results support findings of another study that shows states with medical marijuana laws have lower rates of obesity.

This study, published in the journal Health Economics, determines that marijuana intake correlated with decreased alcohol intake in younger individuals and increased exercise frequency in older individuals, as reported by The Washington Post.