Cannabis use linked to binge eating in young women but not young men
Past-year cannabis use was associated with nearly double the rate of binge eating among young women (24% vs 13%), a link that held even after accounting for depression, but no similar pattern was found in men.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Female cannabis users had a 24% binge eating rate compared to 13% among non-users (p<0.001). This association remained significant after controlling for depressive symptoms, sociodemographics, and BMI. No significant association was found among males.
Key Numbers
1,568 participants. 27% of females and 33% of males used cannabis. Binge eating in female users: 24% vs 13% in non-users (p<0.001). Male users: 5.5% vs 8.2% (not significant, p=0.2).
How They Did This
Cross-sectional survey of 1,568 emerging adults (mean age 22.2, 53% female) from the EAT 2010-2018 longitudinal study, with gender-stratified regression models.
Why This Research Matters
As cannabis becomes more accessible, understanding its relationship with disordered eating is important, particularly since binge eating is already more prevalent among women. The independence from depression suggests a distinct pathway.
The Bigger Picture
Cannabis is well known to stimulate appetite, but its relationship with clinical eating disorder symptoms like binge eating is understudied. These findings suggest gender-specific mechanisms worth investigating.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design cannot determine whether cannabis use causes binge eating or vice versa. Self-reported measures for both cannabis use and binge eating. Single metropolitan area sample may limit generalizability.
Questions This Raises
- ?Does cannabis-induced appetite stimulation trigger binge episodes in vulnerable women?
- ?Would the pattern hold in a larger, more diverse sample?
- ?Does the type or frequency of cannabis use matter?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Female cannabis users: 24% binge eating vs 13% non-users
- Evidence Grade:
- Population-based survey with appropriate statistical controls, but cross-sectional design prevents causal inference and the sample is from one US metro area.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025, data from 2017-2018.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis use and binge eating among young adults: The role of depressive symptoms.
- Published In:
- Journal of psychiatric research, 181, 553-559 (2025)
- Authors:
- Elran-Barak, Roni, Sznitman, Sharon(2), Eisenberg, Marla E(3), Zhang, Lydia, Wall, Melanie M, Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06401
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is cannabis use linked to binge eating?
In this study, yes, but only among young women. Female cannabis users had nearly double the rate of binge eating compared to non-users (24% vs 13%), even after accounting for depression.
Why would cannabis affect binge eating differently by gender?
The researchers suggest cannabis-induced changes in appetite and cravings may interact differently with existing gender-specific risk factors for binge eating. The exact mechanism is not yet established.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06401APA
Elran-Barak, Roni; Sznitman, Sharon; Eisenberg, Marla E; Zhang, Lydia; Wall, Melanie M; Neumark-Sztainer, Dianne. (2025). Cannabis use and binge eating among young adults: The role of depressive symptoms.. Journal of psychiatric research, 181, 553-559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.12.015
MLA
Elran-Barak, Roni, et al. "Cannabis use and binge eating among young adults: The role of depressive symptoms.." Journal of psychiatric research, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.12.015
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis use and binge eating among young adults: The role o..." RTHC-06401. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/elran-barak-2025-cannabis-use-and-binge
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.