14 DAY TRIAL // An investigation carried out by scientists at the University of Cambridge has revealed that chronic cocaine users tend to be skinner than others because said drug alters their metabolism.
More precisely, the researchers maintain that chronic cocaine consumption drastically reduces the body's ability to store fat.
Therefore, users do not lose weight simply because they experience a drop in their appetite. On the contrary, their bodies quit being effective when it comes to absorbing nutrients.
“Our findings challenge the widely held assumptions that cocaine use leads to weight loss through appetite suppression.”
“Rather, they suggest a profound metabolic alteration that needs to be taken into account during treatment,” Dr. Karen Ersche explains.
The researchers further theorize that, during rehabilitation, former cocaine users start putting on weight not because they substitute the drug with food and start eating more than they normally would have or more than they need, but because their bodies regain the ability to store fat.
Given the fact that dramatic weight gain during recovery often leads to depression and relapse, the scientists expect that their findings will help roll out better treatment and counseling options for cocaine users who wish to kick the habit.
As Dr. Karen Ersche puts it, “Notable weight gain following cocaine abstinence is not only a source of major personal suffering but also has profound implications for health and recovery.”
“The stress caused by this conspicuous body change can also contribute to relapse. It is therefore important that we better understand the effects of cocaine on eating behaviour and body weight to best support drug users on their road to recovery.”
A detailed account of this study has been published in a recent issue of the journal Appetite.
The Cambridge University researchers say that, in the months to come, they will continue to investigate the issue and hopefully collect more information concerning cocaine's impact on a person's metabolism.