Scientists have conclusively concluded that marijuana can lower the body mass index
Researchers at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) have some good news for marijuana users. They have been able to show that consumers who use marijuana fiver or more times per month have a lower body mass index (BMI) than non-users. The findings could have a long-term effect on those wishing to stay trim.
The researchers also revealed that consumers who use marijuana on a regular basis are more physically active than either semi-regular consumers or non-users. The OHSU researchers explain, “Heavy users of cannabis had a lower mean BMI compared to that of never users, with a mean BMI being 26.7 kg/m in heavy users and 28.4 kg/m in never users.”
The findings confirm earlier research projects on the same subject. Another study, which was published last year in the Journal of Mental Health Policy and Economics, asserted that regular cannabis use can lead to a lower BMI.
A study from 2013 that was published in the American Journal of Medicine showed that marijuana consumers have 16% less fasting insulin and 17% lower insulin resistance levels than do those who don’t consume. Another study conducted a year earlier by British researchers showed that cannabis consumers were not as prone to Type 2 diabetes. They had a lower risk of contracting the disease than non-consumers.
The exact reason for the lower BMI isn’t yet known. Scientists are working off the theory that cannabis could more easily break down blood sugar in the system, which can help prevent weight gain.
