A recent study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research reveals a concerning association between cannabis use and binge eating among young adult women. The research highlights that women in this demographic who consume cannabis are more likely to engage in binge eating behaviors compared to their male counterparts.
In the study, researchers analyzed data from 1,568 emerging adults, averaging 22 years old, who participated in the Eating and Activity over Time (EAT) study from 2010 to 2018. The participants completed surveys between 2017 and 2018, which assessed their cannabis usage, binge eating tendencies, depressive symptoms, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), and various demographic factors such as age, race, and socioeconomic status.
The analysis, which differentiated responses between men and women, found that 33% of male participants and 27% of female participants reported using cannabis at least once in the past year. Among the women, approximately 24% of cannabis users admitted to binge eating in the past year, in stark contrast to only 13% of non-using women. This disparity was not observed in men, where binge eating rates were lower overall and showed no significant differences between cannabis users and non-users.
After adjusting for factors including depressive symptoms, BMI, alcohol use, and demographic variables, the strong association between cannabis use and binge eating remained among women. No significant correlation was found among men after these adjustments. This indicates a potential direct relationship between cannabis use and binge eating behaviors in women, independent of depressive symptoms.
Researchers note that cannabis can enhance appetite and increase cravings for high-calorie foods—often referred to as ‘the munchies.’ This effect is well documented and may contribute to binge eating, especially in women who already display higher rates of disordered eating and face societal pressures regarding body image.
Furthermore, psychological factors may play a role; both cannabis use and binge eating can serve as coping mechanisms for managing negative emotions like sadness or stress. Women with heightened emotional sensitivity might be more inclined to use cannabis or food as temporary relief from distressing feelings.
Despite the association, the study has limitations. Data collection occurred at a single point in time, making it difficult to ascertain the directionality of the relationship—whether cannabis use leads to binge eating, binge eaters are more likely to use cannabis, or if both behaviors stem from shared underlying causes. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify these dynamics.
Additionally, the study measured cannabis use in a broad sense without considering frequency, quantity, or method of consumption. Future research could investigate whether heavier or more frequent cannabis use is linked to increased binge eating and whether different types of cannabis products, such as those higher in tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) compared to cannabidiol (CBD), affect eating behavior differently.
The authors of the study suggest that their findings have important clinical implications. As cannabis legalization expands, understanding its impact on mental health and eating behaviors becomes increasingly relevant. Clinicians working with young women who use cannabis should consider assessing binge eating behaviors, as interventions addressing both substance use and disordered eating may be beneficial.
The study, titled ‘Cannabis use and binge eating among young adults: The role of depressive symptoms,’ was conducted by Roni Elran-Barak, Sharon Sznitman, Marla E. Eisenberg, Lydia Zhang, Melanie M. Wall, and Dianne Neumark-Sztainer.
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