Tropical Weight Loss
Photo by Andres  Ayrton Pexels Logo Photo: Andres Ayrton

What drug can cause extreme weight loss?

This dramatic weight loss combined with the other physical effects of drug abuse can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the human body. ... Weight loss from drugs may occur when people regularly abuse substances like: Cocaine. Adderall. Methamphetamine. Nicotine. Heroin. Ecstasy. LSD. & More.

Why is my stomach always so fat?
Why is my stomach always so fat?

If you eat too much and exercise too little, you're likely to carry excess weight — including belly fat. Also, your muscle mass might diminish...

Read More »
How can I lose extreme weight fast?
How can I lose extreme weight fast?

Science-backed ways to lose weight Trying intermittent fasting. ... Tracking your diet and exercise. ... Eating mindfully. ... Eating protein for...

Read More »

To a lot of people, the idea of losing a little weight is appealing, but regular exercise and a healthy diet can be hard to maintain. If you told these people there was a drug that could help them with their weight loss journey, many would jump at the opportunity. Diet pills are the first to come to mind, but these supplements typically make promises they can’t keep. The other alternative comes at a steep cost that isn’t worth the price.

The Abused Drugs Behind Unhealthy Weight Loss

Along with several behavioral changes, drug abuse can also lead to noticeable appearance changes like weight loss. In a study on women in an HIV prevention program, participants that were either normal weight or underweight have significantly higher rates of drug use, especially those abusing heroin.1 Another study on a male cocaine user found that cocaine use was associated with decreased body weight, specially related to fat mass.2 Especially with prolonged abuse, this weight loss can be extreme, fast, and leave someone looking boney or ghostly rather than fit and physically appealing. This dramatic weight loss combined with the other physical effects of drug abuse can lead to serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the human body. If someone is addicted to drugs, they should enroll in a standard or luxury addiction program for help before the damage is too far gone.

Weight loss from drugs may occur when people regularly abuse substances like:

Cocaine

Methamphetamine

Nicotine

Heroin

Ecstasy

LSD

& More

Many of these substances fall into the stimulant class of drugs that speed up the body’s central nervous system and leaves people feeling more alert. Stimulants tend to have a similar group of effects that, when acting together, can lead to unhealthy weight loss.

The Connection Between Drug Abuse & Weight Loss

Everyone is different and some people are more prone to lose weight than others while on drugs, but there are several reasons why drug abuse causes weight loss in many people.

Changes in Metabolism & Fat Storage

One of major players in drug abuse weight loss is how these substances affect the body’s metabolism, especially over time. While cocaine-dependent men had a diet that was high in fat, they weren’t gaining weight as expected.2 The reason behind this is believed to substantial changes in the body’s metabolism and ability to store fat. The exact mechanisms at play are still being studied.

Loss of Appetite

One of the common side effects of many drugs of abuse is loss of appetite. When people go on drug binges to avoid withdrawal, they may not eat a real meal for several days because they simply aren’t hungry. This could be a contributing factor to their weight loss. While lack of appetite was previously thought to be the main reason that many people abusing drugs like cocaine or meth would lose weight, now research suggests that changes in metabolism are more impactful.1,2

How to drop weight in a week?
How to drop weight in a week?

Generally to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, you need to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day, through a lower calorie diet and...

Read More »
Why is Panniculectomy more than a tummy tuck?
Why is Panniculectomy more than a tummy tuck?

The main difference between Panniculectomy vs Tummy Tuck is that a panniculectomy is often considered a medical necessity while a tummy tuck is...

Read More »

Increased Energy

Many of these illicit drugs that cause weight loss are stimulants. Along with suppressing appetite, stimulants tend to increase energy and alertness. Energetic people who are moving around are more likely to burn calories than their sedentary peers. Abusing drugs that consistently increase activity could be part of the reason that these people experience drug abuse weight loss.

Poor Mental Health

Drug abuse may not be the only factor at play. In some cases, poor mental health can lead people to not want to eat and be a contributing factor in a drugs addicts’ weight loss. Those who struggle with both poor mental health and addiction should seek help for both problems like at our luxury dual diagnosis treatment center. While being underweight may seem healthier than being overweight, being too thin comes with its own set of problems. A study found that people who are underweight have just as high a risk of dying as people who are obese, even when taking into account smoking and alcohol abuse. While obese people with a BMI of 30 to 34.5 are 1.2 times more likely to die than people with normal BMI, underweight people with a BMI under 18.5 are 1.8 times more likely to die than people with a normal BMI.2 Combined with the negative effects of the abused drugs themselves, drug abusers can cause serious or sometimes even fatal damage to their bodies. Whether you find yourself abusing drugs or suspect that someone you care about has a drug addiction, get help. Our luxury drug rehab facility in Florida assists patients with their substance abuse problems while providing a safe and comfortable environment for treatment with amenities that most other rehabs cannot offer. To get started on the journey to recovery for yourself or a loved one, call 561-677-9374. At Seaside Palm Beach, we are here to help addicts and their loved ones.

Sources:

What does apple cider vinegar do for your face?
What does apple cider vinegar do for your face?

It has powerful antimicrobial properties that may help ease skin infections and soothe irritation. As a mild acid, ACV may also help restore the...

Read More »
How can I lose a lb a week?
How can I lose a lb a week?

Generally to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, you need to burn 500 to 1,000 calories more than you consume each day, through a lower calorie diet and...

Read More »
Can you get rid of pannus without surgery?
Can you get rid of pannus without surgery?

Lifestyle changes. People with a mild case of pannus stomach may find they can reduce its size through diet and exercise. This combination can help...

Read More »
Why can't some people lose weight?
Why can't some people lose weight?

If you have a slow metabolism, your genes may be to blame. Or you may not have enough lean muscle mass. People with lean, muscular bodies burn more...

Read More »