Category: Appetite regulation

According to a survey of CBG users, an increased appetite is one of the more common side effects, reported by about 11.8% of participants. So, will CBG make me hungry, and how exactly does its effect differ from the notorious "munchies" caused by THC?

Recent research reveals a surprising truth about sugary foods and appetite control: rather than promoting lasting fullness, a high-sugar diet can reduce the brain's sensitivity to satiety signals. This mechanism, discovered in animal studies, suggests that excessive sugar consumption may actually delay the sensation of being full. So, does sugar make you full faster? The answer is more complex than you might think.

Ghrelin, often referred to as the 'hunger hormone', plays a crucial role in regulating appetite and body weight [1]. It is primarily produced in the stomach and signals the brain when it's time to eat. Understanding how different foods impact ghrelin levels is key to comprehending appetite regulation.

Research has shown an intricate relationship between vitamin D status and appetite, with some studies indicating a link between low levels and increased hunger. This raises a critical question for many: does vitamin D reduce food cravings and aid in appetite control?

While the classic 'munchies' effect is famously tied to the cannabinoid THC, the impact of non-intoxicating cannabinoids on appetite is much less understood. When asking, "Does CBD or CBG make you hungry?", the answer depends on which compound you're referring to, as they interact with the body's appetite systems in distinct ways.

Discovered in the late 1990s, the hypothalamic neuropeptide orexin was initially named for its appetite-stimulating effects after early studies found that it increased food intake in rats. This discovery led to the question: does orexin increase appetite in all contexts, or is its function more complex?

Research has long associated the use of cannabis with increased appetite, a phenomenon colloquially known as "the munchies". However, not all cannabinoids within the plant have the same effect; some can powerfully stimulate hunger, while others may actually suppress it. Understanding the distinct roles of these compounds is key to harnessing their specific effects on appetite.

Acute mountain sickness (AMS), a condition caused by rapid ascent to high altitudes, frequently includes loss of appetite, nausea, and headache. This well-documented phenomenon reveals a direct link between oxygen deprivation and the body's hunger signals, extending beyond just altitude-related illness to various medical conditions.

While the psychoactive cannabinoid THC is famously associated with increasing appetite, preclinical research has identified the non-intoxicating cannabinoid CBG as another potential appetite stimulant. This presents a compelling alternative for those needing appetite support without the mind-altering effects.

According to recent research published in *Nature Metabolism*, a newly identified brain circuit in mice triggers a feeling of fullness from food smells before the food is even consumed. This discovery sheds new light on the powerful biological and psychological factors that influence why you get full off the smell of food.