More Cannabis Use Was Linked to Higher BMI in Adolescents, Regardless of Decision-Making Ability
Among adolescent cannabis users, more lifetime cannabis use was associated with higher BMI and greater likelihood of being overweight or obese, and decision-making ability did not moderate this relationship.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
In a sample of 238 adolescent cannabis users aged 14 to 18 (77% Hispanic), researchers found that greater lifetime cannabis use was associated with higher body mass index and a greater likelihood of being classified as overweight or obese.
The researchers hypothesized that decision-making abilities might moderate this relationship, since impulsive decision-making could lead to both more cannabis use and poorer dietary choices. However, decision-making performance did not interact with cannabis use to predict BMI, and was not independently associated with BMI either.
The association between cannabis use and higher BMI held even after controlling for depression, alcohol use, nicotine use, race, ethnicity, and IQ.
Key Numbers
238 adolescent cannabis users. More lifetime cannabis use was associated with higher BMI. The relationship was robust after controlling for depression, alcohol, nicotine, race/ethnicity, and IQ. Decision-making was not a moderator.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional study of 238 adolescent cannabis users (ages 14-18, 56% male, 77% Hispanic) without significant developmental, neurological, or psychiatric disorders. Decision-making was measured using a validated behavioral task. BMI and weight classification were the outcome measures. Analysis controlled for multiple potential confounders.
Why This Research Matters
The relationship between cannabis and body weight is complex and contested. While some adult studies link cannabis use to lower BMI, this study found the opposite pattern in adolescents. This age-specific difference is important because adolescent weight trajectories have lifelong health implications.
The Bigger Picture
Adult population studies have generally found that cannabis users have lower BMI than non-users, despite the stereotype of cannabis-induced overeating. This study in adolescents found the opposite direction, suggesting that the cannabis-weight relationship may differ by age, or that adolescent cannabis users differ from adult users in ways that affect weight.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design prevents determining causation. The sample was predominantly Hispanic, limiting generalizability. The study only included cannabis users, so it cannot compare users to non-users. Physical activity and detailed dietary data were not measured. The decision-making measure may not capture all relevant aspects of impulsivity.
Questions This Raises
- ?Why does the cannabis-BMI relationship appear to differ between adolescents and adults?
- ?Is the association driven by cannabis-induced appetite increases, lifestyle factors associated with adolescent cannabis use, or confounders not measured?
- ?Would longitudinal tracking show weight changes with cannabis use onset?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- More lifetime cannabis use was associated with higher BMI in teens even after controlling for depression, alcohol, and nicotine.
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate evidence from a well-controlled cross-sectional study with a reasonable sample size, though the cross-sectional design limits causal conclusions.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2016. The cannabis-BMI relationship continues to be studied with mixed results.
- Original Title:
- Decision-Making Does not Moderate the Association between Cannabis Use and Body Mass Index among Adolescent Cannabis Users.
- Published In:
- Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS, 22(9), 944-949 (2016)
- Authors:
- Ross, J Megan(6), Graziano, Paulo, Pacheco-Colón, Ileana(2), Coxe, Stefany, Gonzalez, Raul
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01254
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Does cannabis cause weight gain in teens?
This study found an association between more cannabis use and higher BMI in adolescents, but it cannot prove cannabis caused the weight gain. It is possible that other factors associated with cannabis use contribute to higher weight.
Why do some studies say cannabis users are thinner?
Most studies finding lower BMI in cannabis users were conducted in adults. This study in adolescents found the opposite pattern, suggesting the relationship may differ by age. The mechanisms behind this age difference are not well understood.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01254APA
Ross, J Megan; Graziano, Paulo; Pacheco-Colón, Ileana; Coxe, Stefany; Gonzalez, Raul. (2016). Decision-Making Does not Moderate the Association between Cannabis Use and Body Mass Index among Adolescent Cannabis Users.. Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS, 22(9), 944-949.
MLA
Ross, J Megan, et al. "Decision-Making Does not Moderate the Association between Cannabis Use and Body Mass Index among Adolescent Cannabis Users.." Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS, 2016.
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Decision-Making Does not Moderate the Association between Ca..." RTHC-01254. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/ross-2016-decisionmaking-does-not-moderate
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.