Exploring How Cannabis Affects Binge Eating Habits
New findings from Drexel University's Center for Weight, Eating and Lifestyle Science (WELL Center) shed light on the connection between cannabis use and binge eating disorders. The study, recently published in Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, revealed that over 23% of participants seeking treatment for binge eating had used cannabis in the past three months.
Contrary to expectations, the research did not uncover a significant increase in the severity of eating disorder or depression symptoms among cannabis users. Despite reporting higher alcohol consumption and related issues, individuals using cannabis did not exhibit more severe symptoms associated with binge eating disorders.
The study highlights the importance of clinicians screening for both cannabis and alcohol use when treating patients with binge eating disorders. This emphasis on substance use screening is crucial in understanding the intricate interplay between substance use, appetite, mood, and eating behaviors.
Binge eating, characterized by a sense of losing control over eating or an inability to stop eating, is a prevalent issue. The study aims to bridge the gap in knowledge about the impact of cannabis use on individuals with binge eating disorders, an area that has received less attention compared to research on cannabis's effects on general eating habits.
The research suggests that cannabis may have a specific role in perpetuating binge eating, possibly by increasing the pleasure or reward associated with high-sugar or high-fat foods. Lead author Megan Wilkinson, a doctoral student in Drexel's College of Arts and Sciences, emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationship between cannabis use, eating disorder severity, and other psychiatric symptoms in binge eating patients. This understanding is vital for shaping effective screening methods and clinical recommendations.
In conclusion, the study underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to treating binge eating disorders, taking into account the potential impact of cannabis and alcohol use on these conditions. Improved understanding of the complex dynamics between substance use and eating behaviors is crucial for developing more effective strategies to address binge eating and related disorders.
In a recent study, participants who used cannabis reported a strong desire to use it and also tended to drink alcohol more frequently, facing more issues related to their alcohol consumption. Surprisingly, individuals with binge eating disorders who used cannabis did not exhibit more severe symptoms of eating disorders or depression, according to the research team.
Both alcohol and cannabis have an impact on a person's appetite and mood. The study's lead, Wilkinson, highlighted the potential risk for individuals with binge eating disorders who use both substances, stating, "Our finding that patients with binge eating who use cannabis also drink more alcohol may suggest that these individuals are at a higher risk for binge eating, given the compounded effects on appetite and mood from these substances."
The researchers suggest that treatments for binge eating should consider how substance use affects hunger, mood, and eating patterns. Participants in the study underwent surveys and interviews regarding their binge eating, other eating disorder symptoms, and depression. The research team compared those who reported cannabis use with those who did not, aiming to identify significant differences in alcohol use, eating disorder symptoms, or depression symptoms.
The findings revealed a distinct subset of participants with binge eating disorders using cannabis, reporting strong desires to use it. Additionally, cannabis use seemed to be associated with drinking patterns and problems related to alcohol consumption for individuals with binge eating.
Wilkinson hopes this research proves beneficial for clinicians treating patients with binge eating by providing updated information on cannabis use prevalence. She recommends that clinicians screen all patients for cannabis and alcohol use, assessing potential problems linked to substance use.
As social norms and laws surrounding cannabis change in the United States, Wilkinson emphasizes the need for regular updates on research about cannabis use in patients with binge eating. Future studies by Wilkinson and her colleagues aim to delve into how cannabis use might impact hunger and mood, potentially exacerbating binge eating symptoms.
In conclusion, this study sheds light on the relationship between cannabis use and clinical severity among adults with binge eating, emphasizing the importance of considering substance use in the treatment of binge eating disorders.
Cannabis use is pretty common among people dealing with binge eating, which is when you can't control your eating habits. Surprisingly, only two studies, both more than 20 years old, have checked if using cannabis is linked to how severe binge eating is.
It's crucial to understand how cannabis use, the seriousness of eating disorders, and other mental health symptoms are connected in people with binge eating. This helps in creating guidelines for screening and giving advice in a clinical setting.
This study looked at how adults with binge eating use cannabis and explored the links between cannabis use, the intensity of eating disorders, alcohol consumption, and symptoms of depression. The participants, totaling 165, were adults seeking treatment who experienced binge eating at least once a week in the last 3 months. They went through interviews and filled out self-report forms before starting treatment.
Surprisingly, more than 23% of the participants had used cannabis in the last 3 months. Most of them used it either "once or twice" or "monthly." Those who used cannabis often reported having symptoms related to its use.
People who used cannabis also drank more alcohol and were more likely to report alcohol-related issues compared to those who didn't use cannabis. However, there were no connections found between cannabis use, symptoms of eating disorders, and symptoms of depression.
These results show that a significant group of people dealing with binge eating turn to cannabis and face problems related to its use. Additionally, there seems to be a connection between cannabis and alcohol use for these individuals.
Considering the changes in how acceptable and available cannabis is, it's important to screen for patterns of cannabis and alcohol use in people dealing with binge eating. This study sheds light on the need to understand and address these substance use issues in the context of binge eating.