Cannabis could reduce obesity
American researchers have studied the correlation between low growth in fat mass index and cannabis consumption. The results indicate that cannabis may reduce the propensity for obesity.
A correlation between low obesity and cannabis consumption?
The obesity rate among the adult population in France is estimated at nearly 16.5% today. This figure has doubled in twenty years; it was 8.5% in 1997.
Another public health problem that concerns authorities and attracts their attention. Research on the subject is extensive, but the insight provided is somewhat different this time, as obesity is put into perspective with cannabis consumption.
The Department of Family Medicine at the University of Michigan in East Lansing, USA, published this study, which was unveiled on March 16, 2019, in the International Journal of Epidemiology.
Cannabis consumption affects BMI increase.
A representative sample of the American population was observed for three years. It was found that members of the panel who consumed cannabis saw their BMI (Body Mass Index) increase more slowly compared to other subjects who did not consume it.
In addition, adults underwent a series of personal interviews about their cannabis consumption, while their weight and height were recorded during wave 1 (2001-2002) and wave 2 (2004-2005). The data was then aggregated using software.
In the second wave, the panel was composed of:
- 77% had never consumed cannabis
- 18% had ceased consumption
- 3% were occasional users
- 2% were daily users
The three-year evolution shows an increase in BMI across all subgroups. However, there is a link between a slight increase in BMI among regular cannabis users, while non-users see their BMI grow at a higher rate.
Although the research seems to demonstrate the existence of a model based on the action of cannabis consumption and slow BMI growth over time, systematic and more thorough tests will be necessary to prove it.
