Keto And Weed: Losing Weight And Getting High

The ketogenic diet is a popular weight-loss strategy that involves eating a high-fat, low-carb diet. The diet forces the body to switch from burning glucose to burning ketones, which are produced from stored fat, as its primary source of fuel. This metabolic state is called ketosis. To achieve ketosis, one must restrict their carbohydrate intake to 20-50 grams per day, which can be challenging to maintain. The amount of weight lost on a keto diet depends on several factors, including one's health situation, body composition, exercise and eating habits, and individual fat adaptation period. While many people experience rapid weight loss in the first week of the keto diet, this is primarily due to water weight loss, not fat loss. On average, a safe amount of weight to lose on the keto diet is around one to two pounds per week.

Research suggests a link between cannabis use and lower body weight, but the exact connection is unclear. Some experts believe that cannabis may help with certain underlying factors that contribute to weight gain, such as chronic pain, insomnia, stress, and increased mobility. However, there is also evidence that weed can increase appetite and lead to weight gain. The bottom line is that there is no evidence that weed is an effective tool for weight loss.

Keto diet and weight loss

The keto diet has been around for centuries, initially used to treat epilepsy. In recent times, it has gained popularity as a weight-loss strategy. The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that forces the body to use ketone bodies, produced by the liver from stored fat, as its primary source of fuel instead of glucose. This metabolic state is called ketosis.

To achieve ketosis, you need to restrict your daily carbohydrate intake to 20-50 grams, though this number can vary depending on individual traits. This typically involves cutting out grains, candy, sugary drinks, and most fruits and vegetables. The diet focuses on high-fat foods, including saturated fats like coconut oil, butter, and lard, and proteins that contain saturated fat, such as beef, bacon, and pork.

The amount of weight lost on the keto diet depends on several factors, including your overall health, body composition, exercise and eating habits, and individual fat adaptation period. While the keto diet can lead to rapid weight loss, especially in the first few weeks, it is important to note that much of the initial weight loss is due to water loss rather than fat loss.

On average, people can expect to lose up to ten pounds in the first two weeks due to water loss, followed by a steadier weight loss rate of one to two pounds per week. However, this can vary depending on individual factors. For example, those who are overweight or have certain health conditions, such as thyroid problems or blood sugar issues, may experience a slower rate of weight loss.

Sticking to the keto diet is crucial for achieving weight loss results. Consistency is key, and treating it as a lifestyle change rather than just a diet plan can help ensure success. Additionally, calculating your keto macros and tracking your ketone levels can help you stay in ketosis and maximize weight loss.

While the keto diet can be effective for weight loss, it is not without its challenges and risks. Extreme carbohydrate restriction can lead to symptoms like hunger, fatigue, mood swings, and constipation. It can also be difficult to sustain due to cravings for carbohydrates. Furthermore, the diet can be dangerous for individuals with certain chronic health problems, and it may increase the risk of developing heart disease and other serious health issues due to nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, it is important to consult a doctor or dietician before starting the keto diet to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

Cannabis and lower body weight

While the exact connection is unclear, research suggests a link between cannabis use and lower body weight. However, it is important to note that the research is relatively new and limited, and more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between cannabis and weight.

The Research

A 2011 review of two surveys found that obesity rates were higher among people who did not use cannabis compared to those who used it at least three days per week. Similarly, a 2018 meta-analysis showed that cannabis users had a lower BMI and obesity rates than non-cannabis users, even though they consumed more calories. Additionally, a 2023 study from UC Irvine suggested that marijuana use during adolescence could disrupt the body's energy balance and ability to store fat, potentially leading to a disruption in key nutrients reaching the brain and muscles.

The Theories

Experts have several theories to explain the link between cannabis use and reduced BMI and lower chances of obesity. One theory suggests that cannabis can increase mobility by relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness, allowing people with mobility issues to be more active. Another theory suggests that cannabis may cause some people to drink less alcohol, resulting in lower calorie intake and, consequently, lower BMIs.

Cannabis is also known to ease anxiety and reduce stress, which can lead to a decrease in stress eating and a reliance on comfort foods. Additionally, cannabis may improve sleep quality and duration, as poor sleep is a factor in weight gain. There is also evidence that cannabis may boost metabolism by interacting with cannabinoid receptor 1, which plays a role in metabolism and food intake.

The Risks

While cannabis may be associated with lower body weight, it is not recommended as a weight-loss tool. Smoking weed is tied to breathing problems and can lead to chronic bronchitis and lung damage. Additionally, cannabis use is linked to psychosis and mania-like symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. It is also important to note that cannabis use can lead to gastrointestinal disorders and impede the healing of gastroduodenal ulcers.

Keto diet risks

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that is advertised as a weight-loss wonder. However, it comes with serious risks and should be treated as a short-term dietary change. Here are some of the dangers of the keto diet:

• Kidney problems: The high intake of animal foods can cause your blood and urine to become more acidic, leading to an increased excretion of calcium in your urine. This may lead to kidney stones and an increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
• Digestive issues: The keto diet restricts carbs, making it difficult to meet your daily fiber needs. This can lead to constipation and other digestive issues.
• Nutrient deficiencies: The keto diet restricts nutrient-dense fruits, whole grains, and legumes, which may lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and phosphorus.
• Low blood sugar: Low-carb diets like keto can increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially in individuals with type 1 diabetes.
• Bone health: Several studies link the keto diet to decreased bone strength and bone mineral density.
• Chronic diseases and early death: Some evidence suggests that high-fat, low-carb diets focusing on animal foods may lead to poor health outcomes and an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, and all-cause mortality.
• Dehydration: The keto diet can cause water loss before fat loss, leading to dehydration.
• Gastrointestinal issues: Common side effects include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Reduced athletic performance: Athletes may experience worse performance on high-intensity exercises after being on the keto diet for a few days.
• Vitamin and mineral deficiencies: The keto diet may lead to lower intakes of important nutrients such as folate, thiamin, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, E, and K.
• Keto flu: As your body adjusts to the diet, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and constipation.

Cannabis and health risks

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is derived from the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plant. It contains mind-altering compounds that affect both the brain and body. While some people use it for pleasure or medicinal purposes, it can also be addictive and harmful to one's health. Here are some of the health risks associated with cannabis use:

Mental Health Risks

Using cannabis may increase the likelihood of experiencing anxiety, fear, panic, paranoia, and hallucinations. It can also worsen pre-existing mental disorders and increase the risk of clinical depression. In high doses, it can induce psychosis, which may lead to paranoia and distorted perception of reality. There is also a link between early and frequent cannabis use and the development of schizophrenia, especially in young men.

Impact on Thinking and Cognition

Cannabis can distort one's senses and judgment, enhancing sensory experiences and altering the sense of time. It impairs motor skills, making activities like driving more dangerous. It may also lower inhibitions, leading to unsafe behaviour.

Addiction and Withdrawal

About 10% of cannabis users develop cannabis use disorder, characterised by an inability to stop using despite negative consequences. This rate increases to 1 in 6 for individuals who start using cannabis before the age of 18. Withdrawal symptoms from heavy or long-term cannabis use can include anger, irritability, aggression, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, and decreased appetite or weight.

Surgical Complications

Cannabis users undergoing surgery are at risk of various complications. It can affect the effectiveness of anaesthesia, and chronic users may require higher doses. Cannabis use can also delay stomach emptying, increasing the risk of aspiration during surgery. Additionally, it elevates the risk of heart attack, respiratory issues, and post-surgical pain, which may lead to opioid use.

Cardiovascular Effects

Cannabis increases the heart rate and blood pressure, posing a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, especially for older individuals or those with pre-existing heart conditions.

Respiratory Issues

Cannabis smoke contains toxins, irritants, and carcinogens similar to those found in tobacco smoke. Smoking cannabis can damage lung tissue and is associated with respiratory issues such as airway inflammation, increased airway resistance, lung hyperinflation, and chronic bronchitis.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Long-term, heavy cannabis use can lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), characterised by nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Other potential gastrointestinal issues include acid reflux, pancreatitis, and peptic ulcer disease.

Cancer Risk

While no link has been found between smoking cannabis and cancers of the lung, head, or neck, heavy cannabis use may increase the likelihood of developing a specific type of testicular cancer. More research is needed to understand its potential role in other cancers.

Impact on Pregnancy and Fetal Development

Cannabis use during pregnancy is associated with negative outcomes such as fetal growth restriction, premature birth, stillbirth, and problems with brain development in the child. THC and other chemicals can be passed to the baby through breast milk, potentially impacting their health and development.

Keto diet challenges

The keto diet is a popular weight-loss strategy, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Here are some common difficulties people face when embarking on a keto diet:

Carb Withdrawal:

The keto diet restricts carbohydrate intake to a maximum of 50 grams per day, with some people limiting themselves to as little as 20 grams. This drastic reduction in carbs can lead to what is known as the "keto flu," which includes symptoms such as fatigue, mental fogginess, and irritability. This transition period can be challenging as your body adjusts to using ketones from burned fat instead of glucose from carbohydrates as its primary fuel source.

Limited Food Options:

The keto diet is extremely restrictive when it comes to food choices. It requires a high-fat, low-carb approach, which can make meals repetitive and boring. People on the keto diet often find themselves eating a lot of bacon, cheese, eggs, and meat, with limited options for variety. This can be challenging for those who prefer a more plant-based or whole-food-focused diet.

Social Challenges:

Eating out at restaurants or social gatherings can be difficult when following the keto diet. It often requires making special requests or avoiding certain foods altogether. This can be socially isolating and make it challenging to stick to the diet in the long term.

Calorie Deficit:

The keto diet's restriction on carbohydrates naturally leads to a reduction in calorie intake. While this can be beneficial for weight loss, it can also result in a significant calorie deficit. Some people struggle to consume enough calories on the keto diet, which can lead to health concerns and make it difficult to maintain the diet over an extended period.

Planning and Preparation:

The keto diet requires careful planning and preparation. Meals, condiments, and snacks need to be planned in advance to ensure they fit within the strict carbohydrate limits. This level of planning can be time-consuming and challenging for those with busy schedules or limited access to specific foods.

Sustainability:

While the keto diet can lead to rapid weight loss, particularly in the initial stages, it may not be sustainable for everyone in the long term. The restrictive nature of the diet and the potential for nutrient deficiencies can make it challenging to maintain for an extended period. Additionally, returning to a typical diet after keto can result in weight regain as water weight returns.

While the keto diet can be an effective weight-loss strategy, it is important to be aware of these challenges and take appropriate measures to ensure a smooth and healthy experience.

Frequently asked questions