Is Cannabis A Natural Treatmentfor Anorexia

As medicinal marijuana & weed delivery becomes legal in moreplaces throughout the United States, it is essential to consider howthis may affect the eating disorder community. Cannabis is knownfor giving people the "munchies," which raises whether they can useit to treat anorexia nervosa. Is medicinal marijuana a viable therapyoption for anorexia nervosa? What are the advantages anddisadvantages?

Given the number of individuals afflicted and the implications ofuntreated anorexia, it is terrible that so little study has been done.The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) estimates that19 million women and 9 million men will experience an eatingdisorder, with anorexia being one of the most prevalent. Thestatistics are even more startling among college students: theNational Institute of Mental Health estimates that 20% of college

students have an eating problem. If not addressed, the effects maybe devastating. Anorexia has the most significant death rate of anymental disorder (13 percent). Surprisingly, 5% of people commitsuicide.

What is Anorexia?

Anorexia nervosa is "a severe, possibly life-threatening eatingdisorder marked by self-starvation and extreme weight loss,"according to the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA).Body dysmorphia (a skewed view of one's own body), apreoccupation with monitoring calories, and an obsessive desire tocontrol one's surroundings are frequent symptoms among patients.Individuals' sense of self-worth is often based on their physicalweight and form, and they have difficulty finding enjoyment in thingsthat most people love.

What Causes Anorexia?

Historically, societal variables such as traumatic experiences orfamily member's (and society's) views toward the desire for a thinbody and slimness have been blamed for anorexia. In recent years,however, evidence has been presented that supports theinvolvement of genetics and neurological variables.

Medical Marijuana's Benefits for Anorexia Nervosa

Medical marijuana has received little research specifically fortreating eating disorders, but it is frequently used as an appetitestimulant for people with other serious health problems. It canincrease appetite in those suffering from anorexia nervosa, who areoften unaware of their natural hunger signals.

It is self-evident that cannabis may aid in the treatment of anorexia.Even so, not only is cannabis known for causing the munchies but

studies on weed as an appetite stimulant for cancer patients andHIV/AIDS patients have shown its efficacy. However, there is just alittle research available on anorexia nervosa. Only a few statesrecognize anorexia as a qualifying illness for medicinal marijuana,but many others do, including excessive weight loss, stress, andnausea.

Nonetheless, cannabis as an anorexia therapy is very probable,given the data gathered, anecdotal evidence, and the idea that theendocannabinoid system - the body's cannabinoid system — hassuch a strong effect on hunger.

Because faulty regulation and underlying abnormalities within theendocannabinoid system are common in eating disorders, a 2011Belgian research indicates that creating cannabinoid-derivedtherapies may be therapeutically beneficial. The research suggeststhat cannabis may repair endocannabinoid deficits while alsoassisting the person in regaining their health. However, since thiswas a small study, further research is needed.

Significant animal research performed by European neuroscientistsin 2014 offered another potential reason for why cannabis (or mainlyTHC) may be helpful in the treatment of anorexia. Anorexia patientslose their capacity to enjoy activities, especially eating. According tothe study's authors, THC's activation of the endocannabinoidsystem's CB1 receptor (one of two known receptors) also increasesour sensitivity to odors and tastes.

Human research from Denmark's Center for Eating Disorders atOdense University Hospital yielded promising results (although, withjust 24 subjects, the study was pretty small). Patients wereadministered either a placebo or dronabinol in this research (asynthetic form of THC). On average, patients who took dronabinolgained 1.6 pounds more than those who took a placebo. Accordingto the scientists, the therapy was "well tolerated," with "minimal

adverse effects." Researchers also checked up with patients a yearafter they began treatment and found that they were still improvingtheir symptoms and nutrition while exhibiting no indications ofaddiction or withdrawal.

According to other previous research, using marijuana may boost aperson's calorie intake by up to 40%. THC, the main chemicalcomponent in marijuana, boosts metabolism and, in this research,led to more eating in both communal and private situations.

Increased hunger and snacking habits may be helpful for weightloss and eating disorder recovery in the early stages. It may claimthat the calming qualities typically associated with medicinalmarijuana could assist with signs of co-occurring anxiety or otherproblems later on in recovery.

Essential Factors to Think About

Weed delivery in Reseda and throughout California is now at thetip of your fingertips. However, medicinal marijuana's advantagesare still debatable, especially in its usage in the mental healthsector. Eating disorders often co-occur with drug addiction,increasing the risk of psychological or physical dependency onmedicinal marijuana.

Furthermore, medical cannabis should not be the sole therapeuticoption available to a patient. This, like any other drug for thetreatment of eating disorders, must be used in combination withcounseling, nutritional monitoring, and other measures.

While cannabis may be a helpful alternative therapy for anorexia, itshould not be considered a cure-all. It may have some use, butconsidering the severity of the illness (particularly the high deathrates), contacting a professional and mobilizing peer support isessential. Individuals or loved ones affected by anorexia may find

helpful online information from two organizations: the NationalEating Disorders Association (NEDA) and the National Associationof Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders (ANAD).

It is crucial to share your issues with your medical provider to seewhether medical marijuana may help your disorder. Please bear inmind that THC has various effects on different people. Tell yourteam if it is worsening your eating problem or acting as a negativecoping strategy in any way.

We can better evaluate the advantages of medical cannabis in thetherapy of anorexia nervosa if we encourage further study in thisarea.

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