Understanding Appetite Loss in Older Age
Many older adults experience a decrease in appetite as they age – a condition known as the ‘anorexia of ageing’. This reduced desire to eat can lead to malnutrition, which significantly impacts quality of life and increases health risks. Finding effective solutions for this common issue and to effectively stimulate appetite is crucial for maintaining health in later years.
Current treatments for appetite loss in older adults often show limited effectiveness and may cause unwanted side effects, including potentially serious complications like blood clots. This has led researchers to explore alternative approaches, including medical cannabis.
Medical Cannabis and Appetite Stimulation
Cannabis contains compounds called cannabinoids, primarily THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These natural compounds interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates appetite, mood, and other bodily functions. Research suggests that these compounds may influence the release of hormones that stimulate hunger.
Recent Research: Medical Cannabis for Appetite Stimulation
A recent clinical trial investigated whether a standardised cannabis-based medicine could help improve food intake in older patients with poor appetite.
This was a triple-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover trial, meaning neither the participants, researchers, nor those administering the treatment knew who was receiving the active medication or placebo. The study used Sativex (nabiximols), a spray containing a specific combination of THC and CBD, along with other naturally occurring compounds from the cannabis plant.
Key Results
- Patients taking the medical cannabis spray consumed slightly more calories (10 kcal higher on average) than those taking a placebo, but this difference wasn’t statistically significant.
- While 52 side effects were reported during the study, only 16 were potentially related to the cannabis treatment.
- Common side effects included tiredness, dizziness, and nausea.
- No serious adverse events occurred during the trial.
What This Means for Patients
This study was very novel as the first triple-blinded, randomised trial examining cannabis-based medicines for appetite stimulation in older adults. Although the specific formulation tested (8.1 mg THC and 7.5 mg CBD) didn’t significantly increase calorie intake, it was generally well-tolerated by participants.
Interestingly, these findings differ from earlier research in other patient groups – including those with AIDS/HIV, cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease – where cannabis treatments showed more positive effects on appetite and weight. These differences might be explained by variations in study design, patient characteristics, or the specific cannabis formulations used.
Looking Forward
While this single study didn’t demonstrate a significant benefit for appetite stimulation, it’s important to consider its limitations:
- Medical cannabis affects individuals differently – what works for one person may not work for another
- The treatment period was relatively short
- The small number of participants makes it difficult to draw definitive conclusions
More research is needed to explore different cannabis formulations, dosages, and treatment durations for appetite stimulation in older adults to understand its true effect.
If you’re experiencing persistent appetite loss, speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate treatment options for your specific situation.
