Does Cocaine Make You Skinny?

How Does Cocaine Affect Metabolism & Fat Storage?

Cocaine has long been associated with weight loss, even being labeled “the skinny drug.” However, this body fat loss is due to many factors, such as stimulating drugs and their relationship to satiation, and cocaine altering fat storage methods in people who use it.

As cocaine enacts its psychoactive effects on the brain and body, it doubles as an appetite suppressant, which can lead to irregularity in eating habits. This disturbance changes how the body processes and stores fat, thereby destabilizing the metabolism’s proper function. (1)

Healthy amounts of nutrients and fat consumption are significantly affected by cocaine misuse, specifically when a cocaine-dependent person enters recovery. The imbalance related to eating habits and fat storage methods resulting from cocaine use inhibits the body’s capacity to process nutrients and regulate eating habits. This, in fact, increases the likelihood of becoming overweight due to compensatory overeating and other health issues that arise from substance use disorders.

Increase in Physical Activity

Because cocaine acts on feel-good chemicals in the brain, use can increase energy and elevate mood. (2) As a result, users may frequently engage in physical activity, such as running, dancing, or other repetitive activities. Cocaine also increases heart rate and blood pressure, potentially contributing to compulsive movements and actions. High activity rates burn more calories and can lead to weight loss, but severe dehydration can also result. (3)

Dehydration transpires when the body loses more fluids than it intakes, and it can have many adverse effects.

Common Symptoms of Dehydration Include:

• Extreme thirst, dry mouth, and dry skin.
• Headache and dizziness.
• Fatigue and weakness.
• Dark urine.
• Constipation.
• Increased risk of urinary tract infection.

One of the most dangerous effects of dehydration is heatstroke, also known as sunstroke. This condition can occur when the body’s cooling mechanisms cannot function correctly due to dehydration. Heat stroke occurs when the body temperature rises to 104°F or higher. (4) Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can result in permanent disability or death if left untreated.

It’s important to note that these effects can range from mild to severe, depending on the degree of dehydration and the length of time it has persisted. Severe dehydration can lead to severe health problems such as kidney failure, seizures, and even death.

Decrease in Sleep

Cocaine’s stimulating properties can cause difficulty falling asleep, insomnia, decreased need for sleep, and nightmares. It disrupts the normal stages of sleep and reduces sleep quality. These effects can persist even after the drug has been metabolized and expelled from the body. Sleep is essential for appetite regulation and metabolism, adversely affecting weight loss endeavors.

Research shows people who get insufficient sleep tend to have higher levels of hunger hormones, such as ghrelin, and lower levels of hormones that signal fullness, such as leptin. This can lead to overeating and increased energy intake, especially high-calorie foods, including “foods rich in fat and carbohydrates.” (5) Moreover, because lack of sleep can cause a decrease in metabolism, it may be harder for individuals to burn calories and lose weight. Therefore, poor sleep is more likely to promote weight gain rather than loss.

Cocaine can cause changes in food consumption patterns, as it can suppress appetite and lead to decreased food intake. Cocaine affects the brain’s reward system, increasing levels of neurochemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine. These changes in brain chemistry can reduce hunger sensations, making it difficult for users to feel the need to eat. Additionally, cocaine can cause anxiety and agitation, further contributing to a lack of appetite.

Reduced Intake of Carbohydrates & Fats

The drug can also affect how the body processes carbohydrates and fats by increasing the rate at which they are metabolized, which can lead to weight loss. According to a recent study, “chronic cocaine abuse directly interferes with metabolic processes, resulting in an imbalance between fat intake and storage.” (6) However, this method of losing weight is not healthy or sustainable in the long run. In fact, the study further explains, “This imbalance in active users could lead to excessive weight gain when the use of cocaine is discontinued during recovery.”