New research to tackle obesity epidemic with medical cannabis

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A new research partnership is set to explore whether medical cannabis could help tackle the global obesity crisis.

Researchers at Curtin University in Australia, are to explore the use of medicinal cannabis treatment options for obesity and other related health issues.

The research, led by Professor Marco Falasca from Curtin’s Medical School, will aim to identify one or more combinations of cannabinoids that may produce effects in the gastrointestinal tract to induce a feeling of fullness and a decrease in appetite.

It is thought that this could potentially lead to weight loss and even diabetes reversion.

According to data from NHS Digital in 2020, the majority of the UK population was overweight, with 26 per cent of men and 29 per cent of women classed as obese.

Diagnoses have doubled over the past 15 years, with almost 4.1 million people in the UK currently having a diagnosis of either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Around 90 per cent of these have type 2, which can develop as a result of obesity and high blood pressure.

Last year, the charity Diabetes UK warned that up to one in 10 adults in the UK could have diabetes by 2030, describing it as a “public health emergency”.

Other risks associated with obesity include, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer, as well as leading to psychological problems, such as depression and low self-esteem.

Professor Falasca said the research could be a game-changer for those struggling with obesity and type 2 diabetes.

“Obesity has reached epidemic proportions globally with at least 2.8 million people dying annually as a result of being overweight or obese and current drug treatments have significant adverse side-effects and need to be injected by patients,” he commented. 

“Some of the more than 100 cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant cannabinoids have been shown to have therapeutic potential for obesity. 

“Our research will seek to unlock further understanding of the role these cannabinoids can play in regulating gut function, their mechanism of action and optimal dosing for therapeutic effect to help weight loss.”

The university has joined forces with Perth-based medical cannabis company, Little Green Pharma (LGP) to conduct the research.

It is anticipated that the findings will allow them to move to the next phase of testing these drugs in human trials.

Head of research and innovation, Dr Leon Warne said LGP will fund the study in three stages, with the final stage anticipated to be completed by February 2023.

“LGP is excited to commence this investigation into a novel proprietary treatment option for obesity and related diseases,” Dr Warne said.

“Supporting this type of research, which studies the use of medicinal cannabis in difficult to treat conditions, is a cornerstone of our business and key to our R&D strategy.”

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