Is the impact of heavy cannabis use on bone health solely due to users being thinner?
While cigarette smoking is known to have a significant negative impact on bone health, what about smoking marijuana?
Research suggests that cannabinoids play a role in bone metabolism, but the findings have been inconsistent in rodent models. When studying human adults, heavy cannabis use was associated with lower bone mineral density and an increased risk of fractures, even after accounting for body weight.
Weight plays a crucial role in bone health, with heavier individuals having stronger bones due to the stress of carrying extra weight. Interestingly, heavy cannabis users were found to be slimmer, despite the stereotypical portrayal of marijuana users as indulging in excessive snacking.
Smoked marijuana has been shown to increase metabolism, which may explain why pot smokers tend to be leaner. This metabolic effect could contribute to the lower bone mineral density observed in heavy cannabis users.
Even when adjusting for body mass index (BMI), heavy cannabis use remains a predictor of weakened bones. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between marijuana use, weight gain, and bone density.
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