Today on the cannabinoids garden blog we are going to talk about the correlation of cannabis and binge eating disorder.
WHAT DOES BINGE EATING DISORDER ENTAIL?
We have all experienced times when we ate more than usual. Overeating may cause stomach pain or heartburn, although this is not always an indication of a problem.
There is no correlation between occasional overeating and binge-eating disorder. Individuals with binge-eating disorder eat excessively and then feel extremely disturbed or furious about it. When individuals with this disease consume in this manner, they feel powerless over their behavior. They are unable to stop the activity. Binge-eating disorder is frequently accompanied by stress, worry, and sometimes despair.
In the later phases, those with binge eating disorder may experience weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.
The most prevalent eating disorder in America, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), is binge-eating disorder. It is more prevalent among women than men. Early adulthood is when the illness is most prevalent among female patients. In men, binge-eating is most prevalent during middle age. Binge-eating frequently leads to obesity and weight issues, however not all overweight or obese individuals have the disorder. In reality, only two-thirds of individuals with binge-eating disorder are fat.
STATISTICS ON BINGE EATING: KNOW THE FACTS
The Relationship Between Marijuana and a Rise in Appetite: You’ve probably heard the expression “the munchies” in reference to marijuana smokers. This is not always the case, but many marijuana users experience a large increase in appetite.
THE PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF MARIJUANA
Scientists are aware that the active element in marijuana, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), promotes hunger. They are attempting to determine why this causes overeating.
According to a study, the presence of THC in the brains of mice enhances their capacity to smell and taste food. In consequence, marijuana use may make eating and tasting food a significantly more joyful experience due to the fact that people can taste better.
According to a separate study published in Nature Neuroscience, the compounds in cannabis may trigger the neurons responsible for overeating. This study discovered that the neurons that appear to be activated by cannabis usage are those that ordinarily suppress the body’s hunger signals. It appears that cannabis alters the brain’s wiring and transmits powerful hunger signals even when the user has just eaten or is not hungry.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BINGE EATING AND CANNABIS USE
Does marijuana-induced overeating eventually lead to binge-eating disorder?
The opposite could be true.
Research indicates that overeating and binge-eating may lead to marijuana usage among young individuals. According to a study, binge-eating is associated with an increase in obesity and depressive symptoms among young adults. Low self-esteem, low physical satisfaction, and further mental illnesses are among these symptoms. In these young individuals, the occurrence of these symptoms is related with substance use and abuse.
THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BINGE EATING DISORDER AND MARIJUANA-INDUCED OVEREATING
Binge-eating disorder is a recognized psychiatric disorder. The American Psychiatric Association has developed diagnostic criteria for binge-eating disorder. This list will be used by your doctor or therapist to diagnose you. If you fit the criteria, treatment alternatives can be discussed.
In order to treat binge-eating disorder, you must do a number of steps. People with this problem are frequently treated with psychotherapy, medicines, and a weight-loss assistance program in order to address the underlying causes. Recovering from an eating disorder characterized by bingeing may also aid in resolving other related issues. Included in this is substance abuse.
The more marijuana you smoke, the more probable it is that you will overeat. Because overeating raises the risk of health issues, it may be essential to limit your marijuana usage. These include obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Numerous individuals with these issues become adept at concealing them from friends, family, and even medical experts. Admitting you have an issue is the best way to seek help for binge-eating. A binge-eating disorder is not always easy to identify. You may realize it on your own or with the assistance of a friend or relative. Awareness and acceptance are the initial steps in locating the necessary assistance to address the disease and any associated concerns.
It is simple to find assistance if you are seeking it. If you are interested in quitting marijuana use, your doctor can discuss tapering down and quitting altogether. You can come to an understanding about why you take the substance, how it affects you, and how you can learn to cope without it. When you stop using marijuana, your tendency to overeat will decrease.
We hope you enjoyed our article about the correlation of cannabis and binge eating disorder.
