Weight Changes After Quitting Weed: Loss, Gain & Stabilization

Cannabis profoundly affects appetite regulation through CB1 receptors in the hypothalamus. When you quit, your weight may shift in unexpected ways.

The Typical Pattern

Weeks 1–2: Weight loss. Appetite suppression and nausea reduce caloric intake. Some people lose 3–8 pounds in the first two weeks, mostly from reduced food and water intake.

Weeks 2–4: Stabilization or rebound. As appetite returns (and sometimes overshoots), weight stabilizes or begins recovering. Appetite rebound can cause weight gain beyond the initial loss.

Weeks 4–8: New baseline. Appetite regulation normalizes. Many long-term cannabis users find they settle at a slightly different weight than during active use — some lighter (without THC-driven overeating), some at the same weight.

What Helps

During Weight Loss Phase

• Eat calorie-dense foods even if appetite is low (nuts, avocado, smoothies)
• Small, frequent meals rather than 3 large meals
• Protein at every meal to maintain muscle mass

During Rebound Phase

• Eat mindfully — distinguish genuine hunger from emotional eating
• Maintain exercise routine (builds muscle, regulates appetite hormones)
• Do not restrict severely — your body is recovering and needs adequate nutrition

When to Seek Help

• Weight loss exceeds 10% of body weight
• You are unable to eat anything for more than 3 days
• Rapid weight gain is causing health problems
• You develop disordered eating patterns