Recent research has shown that a combination of two marijuana components—THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) and CBD (Cannabidiol)—may aid in weight loss. The study, published in the Cannabis journal, found that participants using a product containing these cannabinoids experienced significant weight loss, a reduction in waist size, lower blood pressure, and improved cholesterol levels.
The study, conducted with 44 participants, administered either oral strips containing THCV and CBD or a placebo. For 90 days, participants took one strip per day, and their weight loss and metabolic markers were tracked.
Key Findings:
Weight Loss: Those who used the THCV/CBD strips lost a significant amount of weight compared to the placebo group. The lower-dose group (8 mg THCV and 10 mg CBD) lost an average of 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs), while the higher-dose group (16 mg THCV and 20 mg CBD) lost an average of 4.1 kg (9.0 lbs). In contrast, the placebo group only lost an average of 0.1 kg (0.2 lbs).
Abdominal Reduction: In the lower-dose group, 95.8% saw a reduction in abdominal girth, while 70% in the higher-dose group had the same outcome. This highlights the potential of THCV and CBD in targeting belly fat.
Health Improvements: Participants in the THCV/CBD groups also experienced decreases in systolic blood pressure, as well as reductions in total and LDL cholesterol, which are known to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Gregory Smith, CEO of NeX Therapeutics, and lead author of the study, noted, “The results indicate that the combination of THCV and CBD can be a clinically significant approach to weight loss and overall metabolic health.”
Study Methodology:
Participants, who were an average age of 52, included 31 women and 13 men. They were divided into three groups: two groups received different doses of THCV/CBD strips, while the third group received a placebo. Importantly, participants were not asked to change their diet or exercise habits, focusing purely on the cannabinoid-based treatment.
The strips, which were mucoadhesive (meaning they adhere to the mucous membranes in the mouth), were taken on an empty stomach each day. Those in the study also refrained from using any other cannabis or cannabinoid-based products during the trial.
Stronger Dose, Better Results:
The study’s findings suggest that the higher-dose THCV/CBD strips (16 mg/20 mg) were more effective for weight loss compared to the lower-dose version.
While the sample size was relatively small, Dr. Smith pointed out that these results align with earlier research on the effects of cannabinoids like THCV on metabolism.
A Surprising Finding: THC Metabolites in Urine
One interesting side note in the study: nine participants who used the higher-dose strips were tested for THC metabolites in their urine. Despite the strips containing no detectable THC, seven of the nine participants tested positive. This suggests that THCV metabolites might show up in drug tests as THC metabolites, even though no THC was present in the strips.
Cannabinoids and Metabolism
This isn’t the first time cannabinoids have been linked to weight loss and metabolism. Previous research on cannabigerol (CBG) has shown promise for treating metabolic syndrome, a precursor to conditions like heart disease and diabetes. CBG has been found to reduce appetite, induce weight loss, and increase calorie-burning brown adipose tissue (BAT).
Other studies have shown that cannabis use is associated with a lower body mass index (BMI), with marijuana users being less likely to be obese compared to non-users.
Broader Implications for Fitness
Several studies have also explored the relationship between cannabis use and physical activity. Some research suggests that marijuana use does not lead to sedentary behavior and may even help with exercise performance by reducing pain and enhancing the “runner’s high.” In fact, one study found that cannabis users were more physically active than their non-using counterparts.
Conclusion:
While more research is needed, this study suggests that cannabinoids like THCV and CBD could become a useful tool in weight loss strategies, offering additional health benefits such as improved cholesterol and blood pressure. The potential for cannabinoids to aid in metabolism, weight loss, and overall health makes them a promising area for future research.
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