Study Suggest Link Between Marijuana And Obesity

A new study looking at marijuana and obesity suggest that regular users are less likely to be obese. 

The research published in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research found a link between marijuana use and lower body mass index (BMI). So, it turns out there’s this interesting connection between marijuana use and body mass index (BMI). Basically, the lower your BMI, the more likely you are to use marijuana.

Data indicates that individuals who used marijuana in the past month were “31% less likely to be obese compared to non-users,” “Daily marijuana users are 32% less likely to be obese compared to non-users.”

The study was conducted via survey of 735,921 participants in the United States that were 18 years or older. It used a probability sample from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System;, a telephone-administered survey. The survey collects data from a representative sample regarding health-related risk behaviors, chronic health conditions, and use of preventive services.

Marijuana Legalization Increased Accessibility and Usage

Although the main variable outcome was to find out if participants were current users (at least once in the last 30 days) or daily users (at least 20 of the last 30 days), the survey also discovered that legalization of marijuana almost doubled the prevalence of its use during the study period (7.48% to 14.91%). 

According to study author Ray M. Merrill, “On average, individuals are 9% more likely to use marijuana when medical use is legal, and 81% more likely when recreational use is permitted, compared to when it is illegal.”

“Marijuana use is 35% less prevalent among individuals with obesity compared to those who are not obese. We see this lower usage among obese folks consistently across different demographics, job status, tobacco use, marijuana legalization, and certain health issues like asthma, arthritis, and depression.”

However Merrill, a professor in Brigham Young University’s public health department cautioned that “clinicians should view this outcome along with the known health risks associated with marijuana use.”

Although data from this study suggests a correlation between frequent marijuana use and lower BMI, there are other studies which link to marijuana use with increased appetite. This has led to increased intake of calories and sugary foods which contributes to poor oral health.