While most Americans use marijuana for leisure or to treat serious health conditions, such as cancer, one marketer is claiming you should smoke more for a different reason–it could help you lose weight.
Art Glass, the maker behind The Marijuana Diet, recently released a book detailing how this semi-illegal herb (it’s still illegal in many states) helped him get slim after ballooning up to 345 pounds.
“Losing weight is one of the most challenging things there is,” says Glass. “Marijuana helps you get in touch with yourself and let go of the crap you don’t need and when you let go of that psychological crap, you will let go of your weight.”
As detailed in his new book, which was released this August, Glass claims that using marijuana in conjunction with a healthy eating plan–in this case, loads of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and “superfood” smoothies–can help make it easier to lose weight.
But there’s no secret metabolism voodoo to be found in this herb; instead, Glass believes that it helps people explore emotional issues that trigger them to eat.
“Some of these recommendations are really desirable changes for people who want to lose weight or maintain a lighter weight,” says Dr. Rasa Kazlauskaite, the acting medical director at Rush University and cannabis researcher. “So if someone smokes marijuana but also makes better meal and snack choices then that is better than not making healthy nutritional decisions at all. But it might be that without smoking marijuana people might lose more weight.”
But are these claims scientifically sound? While some experts say this is more fiction than truth, Glass maintains it’s real–and has the evidence to back it up. According to a 2011 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, for instance, researchers found marijuana smokers were less likely to be obese than those who stayed clean. A 2013 study in the American Journal of Medicine also showed that marijuana had benefits for those at risk for diabetes, as it helped lower insulin levels and waist circumference.
But is that enough evidence to start lighting up?
“It sounds like the author is recommending self-treatment, being your own psychologist,” says Kazlauskaite. “For some people it might work but others might benefit from guidance. I would recommend meeting with a behavioral specialist who specializes in therapy for obesity.”
Should You Try This Diet?
For Glass, the evidence is irrefutable: Smoking cannabis can help with weight loss. But is it a good reason to smoke up?
“The link between increased appetite and food intake, but healthier metabolic reaction to sugars, is still a mystery,” says Jennifer Welsh, a contributor to Business Insider. “We also can’t say for sure that pot smoking leads to better health outcomes, only that the traits the researchers saw in pot smokers–lower insulin resistance scores and smaller waist circumference–are associated with lower health risks.”
While there may not be concrete evidence that getting high guarantees a thinner body, experts say there are other reasons why marijuana could be good for you. For instance, regular marijuana use helps lessen pain associated with cancer and menstrual periods, as well as help people feel better–and a better mood means you’re less likely to engage in “emotional eating.” But before you smoke, make sure it’s legal: Using marijuana is still illegal in many states.
Readers: Would you try this to lose weight?
Sources:
Pot Smokers are Skinnier and Healthier – BusinessInsider.com
Lose Weight With Marijuana? – WBEZ.org
About The Author: Zero to Hero Fitness!
Our mission at Zero to Hero Fitness is to help you to finally lose the weight and keep it off, strengthen your body and mind, and experience naturally high levels of energy throughout the day. We believe everyone, regardless of your past or current struggles with your health or fitness, can greatly improve on your existing condition and live life in your best body possible.