Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Theoretical Explanation for Reduced Body Mass Index and Obesity Rates in Cannabis Users

Version 1 : Received: 9 July 2018 / Approved: 11 July 2018 / Online: 11 July 2018 (11:49:02 CEST)

How to cite: Clark, T.; Jones,, J.; Hall, A.; Tabner, S.; Kmiec, R. Theoretical Explanation for Reduced Body Mass Index and Obesity Rates in Cannabis Users. Preprints 2018, 2018070197. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints201807.0197.v1 Clark, T.; Jones,, J.; Hall, A.; Tabner, S.; Kmiec, R. Theoretical Explanation for Reduced Body Mass Index and Obesity Rates in Cannabis Users. Preprints 2018, 2018070197. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints201807.0197.v1

Abstract

Obesity is treatment-resistant, and is linked with a number of serious, chronic diseases. Adult obesity rates in the United States have tripled since the early 1960s. Recent reviews show that an increased ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids contributes to obesity rates by increasing levels of the endocannabinoid signals AEA and 2-AG, overstimulating CB1R and leading to increased caloric intake, reduced metabolic rates, and weight gain. Cannabis, or THC, also stimulates CB1R and increases caloric intake during acute exposures. The present meta-analysis reveals significantly reduced body mass index and rates of obesity in Cannabis users, in conjunction with increased caloric intake. We provide for the first time a causative explanation for this paradox, in which rapid and long-lasting downregulation of CB1R following acute Cannabis consumption reduces energy intake and storage and increases metabolic rates, thus reversing the impact on body mass index of elevated dietary omega-6/omega-3 ratios.

Keywords

Cannabis, obesity, body mass index, CB1R, AEA, 2-AG, meta-analysis, theory, causation

Subject

Biology and Life Sciences, Anatomy and Physiology

Comments (1)

Comment 1
Received: 21 December 2018
Commenter:
The commenter has declared there is no conflict of interests.
Comment: Peer reviewed version now available at Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research:

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/can.2018.0045
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